We need men of action. We need real men. These blogs have been and are an adaptation of Richard Rhors book Adam’s Return. In it he talks about male initiation and I am trying to convey some main points so you can see some of the things that he is talking about and some of the things we have learned throughout the year.
We are all being initiated here on the race and it is a painful process as old habits are abandoned and we find our identity more and more in Christ. We are REALLY dying. So how do we die?
First we need a desire to change. For so long life had been monotonous for me and lacking real meaning. Even though I had a good job I knew there was more. I was comfortable, but I wanted to be challenged. It was kind of like a lack of direction and I was tired of it. The AA phrase I think is the best. You have to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. Then and only then will you have the desire to go through the fire to get your healing. But it is there and worth every minute of the pain it takes to get there.
Second we need to have a good attitude. When a group of 27 people are living in 24/7 community there is going to be a lot of emotions, complaining, and bad attitudes sometimes. We are learning to have grace for people in these times. You are going to be in pain too. It hurts going through a change. I wonder if this is how the butterfly feels as it is being transformed in the cocoon. That is kind of like us. THe old is dying off and the we are becoming new but totally different.
Third we need to have a lack of baggage. We need to let things go. We all suffer from past hurts but the way we get over them is to talk them out with people. That is why I am so glad we have mentors and debriefs. We often get stressed out during the month and it is good to get over everything by having people who care about us talk things out.
Friday was independance day here in India. Yesterday was the day that India won its independance from British rule. Ghandi is one of those great men of history who suffered so much for a bigger goal. He was persecuted and suffered a lot for the greater good. WOuld you do that? Would you live your life for something that you could not keep? Would you sacrifice a comfortable life to do something really great in this world. So here is my recomendation for you.
Let go of your ego and any complaints you have about God and follow Jesus Christ. You will find that your life will change and he will complete those longings in your heart you haven’t been able to fill any other way.
Forget about having a comfortable life. Who cares how much money you make if you hate your job. Do something ambitious. Do something that benefits others. Life is very short and working just for money or to pay the bills isn’t really doing much with this life.
Commit to working through and conquering the pain in your life. It’s going to hurt immenseley, but you will be free! Why do you hold on to it? Does it make you who you are? It really is just holding you down and keeping you from hearing God speak to you. There is peace on the other side.
Finally you will find love from God and you will be able to love others. It all starts with Him and ends with Him. You will find love joy and peace in Him – he will complete you.
