I’ve been basking under some great lessons the last couple days at the 2012 Desiring God Conference for Pastors.  No, I’m not a vocational pastor, but praise the LORD that they even allow little outsiders like me into the feast.  The theme for this year’s conference is ” purchase Zoloft God, Manhood, & Ministry“.  The focus has been on sharpening and equipping men to be the masculine leaders that their homes, churches, and ministries really long for. buy Prozac online
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Masculinity can often get a bad rap as it might be associated with male chauvinism or arrogance.  But looked at in the light of Scriptures, as Doug Wilson shared on the first night, masculinity is “the glad assumption of responsibility”. It’s being willing to take the bullet or push an issue forward with robust courage.

The messages have struck a chord with me.  It seems to me that in my own flesh, as well as in this culture, there is a powerful force pulling men away from the responsibility of leading their wives, their children, their congregations, or other networks.  As much as my heart loves to lead my wife and kids in morning and night time worship through singing and reading the Word of God, it is so easy for me to start heeding little thoughts like, “I’m tired”, “I’ve already done so much today for the LORD”, or “It’s getting late”.  But my wife and children (as well as my own soul) need that daily time in His Word.  By God’s grace, I must press on.

I know that my wife needs to process at the end of each day.  It blesses her to have me ask “How was your day today?” accompanied by a real desire to listen to her share.  It’s like a big hug for her.  Yet, those same self-absorbed thoughts that want me to set aside family worship each day also entice me to put off Sonja.  But she and I need that time to talk together.  By God’s grace I must press on.

None of this is to say that there aren’t real and legitimate reasons to set aside these disciplines.  I’m only confessing to you all that most of my reasons are not legitimate and I know it.  They are lazy and lack in courage to do the work of putting my self-absorbed flesh to death.  I’m so thankful for the LORD’s patience and help as I stumble to try and be a Godly husband to Sonja and father to Nehemiah, Evangeline, Athanasius, and Hadassah.  Looking at them each day spurs me on to want to grow in courageous leadership for their sake.

My brother Joshua, whom God has gifted with a magnificent voice, shared a song last year on this very subject.  It’s called “Lead Me”.  As you listen to it, pray that your fathers, husbands, and sons would model the glad, sacrificial, and loving leadership in the proportions which are appropriate for their place:

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