Many in my generation, including myself at times, have a picture of Jesus in their minds’ eye of a man dressed in a white, flowing tunic with a little lamb under each arm. He speaks gently to children, perhaps even whispering much of the time, so as not to come across as being too harsh. His feet are never dirty because his followers are constantly washing them, His hair is always perfectly combed, and the scent of spring roses trails behind Him as He walks. He adores everyone that he meets, and He has a hard time saying “no” to people’s requests.
While some of these characteristics might ring true, many of these views were created to be good object lessons for children in Sunday school and have been perpetuated throughout the last century. Yes, Jesus is someone who loves us and can be trusted, but He is more than the lamb-toting gentleman that so many in my generation have become so insistent on portraying him as.
We have emasculated Jesus and forgotten His heart. He is calling all of us to throw caution to the wind and live a bold, adventurous life for Him. When he told his disciples to sell everything they have, give to the poor, and follow Him, it was not just a polite suggestion, it was a
command to them. Jesus knew that there would be trials and adventures throughout that journey, which is exactly why He desires our trust; we can’t do the journey without Him leading the way for us. The Gospels portray a Jesus who is a strong leader, and who requires much daily sacrifice of his followers. Jesus wasn’t a pansy, and He doesn’t ask us to be one.
It is no wonder why there is such a noticeable lack of men on the mission field. The Church is doing a poor job of connecting men to the true heart of Jesus. I’m no expert on the heart of men, but with living with 4 men (plus a few more from the January team) during the past two months, I’ve seen first hand that men don’t want to follow a man who appears to have had His wild heart stripped away from Him. Men want to follow a leader who is confident, strong, and assertive. God created and wired the hearts of men to feel alive in the face of adventure. I can confidently say that all of the men on the World Race are getting a healthy does of adventure while serving their Master.
G.I. Joe was so popular because it awoke a desire in the hearts of little boys to be wild and daring. If the Church is going to be successful at equipping and sending men into the nations, we need to start showing men the G.I. Jesus side of Christianity. The mission field is exciting, daring, difficult, and adventurous; it is not just a place for older women with their hair in a bun wearing long skirts, as so many of us traditionally picture. Satan has done an excellent job at perpetuating that stereotype in order to keep men away from missions. We need to fight back and teach our little boys that Jesus loves adventure just like they do, and that they will find adventure out here.
I want nothing more to see the men that I know back in
America to come fully alive and get to know G.I. Jesus. Men, we need you out here! Come live the daring life that Jesus called you to.
