Real men don't do church.
This sentiment seems to resonate throughout the hearts of men throughout time. History shows that women have always been the main attendees when it comes to the Christian faith. Why is that? Why do men not want to come?
First, you have to realize that men do come. If you're reading this, and you are a faithful man of God, then way to go! You will know firsthand some of the things I'm talking about.
So, regarding the men that don't come...why not? All I can do is tell you things that have gone through my mind or I've heard from others. Maybe this clicks with you too. If you know a man on the fence about coming to Jesus, please share this with him.
Church is Boring
Ok. Maybe it is. Or maybe you think it is. I've been a part of churches
that were boring, but mostly it was because I wasn't involved or even
engaged in the service. Get involved. Participate in the work of the
church -- not just on Sunday mornings. Watch how your perception changes
as you take part in what is going on there.
I'd rather be fishing
Me too. I worship God when I'm fishing, but I also need time when I'm
encouraged by my brothers and sisters in Christ. They are my family.
They encourage me to stay connected to God. They pray for me and rejoice
with me. This family bond is very real. I can't neglect them for
fishing any more than a dad can neglect his wife and kids for the same
reason.
Churches are full of hypocrites.
Yep. They sure are. Well, kind of. Hear me out.
If I claim to be perfect and yet live a sinful life then I am a
hypocrite. If I go to church and claim to be a Christian yet never tell
anyone about my supposed faith then I'm a hypocrite. Yes, there are
people like that in the church. Guess what. They're human. I understand
that. They're forgiven just like I am and you can be.
There are also people like me. I'm a sinner. Don't expect me to be
perfect. I try daily, but my effort to do good pales in comparison to
the grace and forgiveness I need to be righteous before God. So, does
that make me a hypocrite? If I claim to be a person who is going to mess
up even though I'm trying not to, then I've taken away your ability to
call me a hypocrite. I'm not shy about my need for Jesus to make me
whole.
Church is for sissy men
Churches are full of men who sing sappy love songs to a god they've
never seen. They pray in ways that show their vulnerability. They don't
seem like the strong, manly type of men you want to be like -- some even
wear pastel colors!
This is probably the most important thing in this article
Church is NOT for sissies. It doesn't take any effort to lose control
and fly off the handle. It takes no self control to give in to any of
the myriads of sins that will cripple your life. In fact, by its
definition, it takes no effort to be selfish at all.
It takes a TON of strength to have self control. It takes courage to
reveal your heart in prayer. It takes gratitude to praise God in song.
It takes strength and a willing heart to stand before others and bear
witness to what God is doing or has done through you. A fearful man
cannot walk in the way of Jesus for he has called us to be willing to
die for him. It is not a weak man who loves his wife and children and
even his church family. It is no weak man who leads his family in
following Christ. It is not weakness to do right.
These things are super hard, and all of us will fail at these some of
the time. If you're looking for the easy way through life, then don't
come to Jesus. Don't give your life to Jesus. He will wreck you. Then He
will show you just how great He has made you to be.
Church is not for weaklings. It is not for sissies. It is for the strong. It is for the dedicated. It is for the selfless people willing to lay down their lives for others. Which of these things are not manly?
Why do men not come to Jesus? I think it's because they don't realize the awesome adventure that a life following Him truly is.
Why do you think men don't come to Jesus? How is being a follower of Jesus very manly? Let me know what you think!