A Test of Manhood. Of Discipline.

I have to admit, I have been slacking! It has been almost a month since I last updated my blog.  It's not because God isn't working. It's not because there is nothing exicting happening here in Costa Rica. Rather, and I will admit, it is from shear laziness! How convicted do I feel.

During my time here all of the interns meet on Tuesday night for a guys Bible study.  Our focus has been "Biblical Manhood."  We have been studying and asking the question, "What is 'Biblical Manhood'? and how do we live that out?  We have covered topics such as Man's Creation and Purpose, God's Guide, Sainthood, Servanthood, and Discipleship/ Walking with God.  These kinds of topics have hit home with me and have led me on a search and discovery of what true manhood is.  The first week after discussion we began to discuse our definitions of what we thought 'biblical mahood' looks like.  My definition of manhood looks something like this:

"Living in the submission and surrender of/to our own fleshly/ sinful nature, bearing God's intention of man to live in sacrifice, love, humility, unity and responsibility, as an offering to God."

This has sent me over the past few months and weeks to really dig into God's word and discover what it truly means to be a man. Are my eyes set on the world's view of man. A "man" that indulges in his fleshly desires, consumed by the media, by cars, the pursuit of women, popularity and social acceptance. But rather am I living as God intended me to live. To reflect the image of my Creator. To work, create, and be relational. Daily I have been asking myself, Am I being fruitful and responsible today with the work that God has set before me? [Gen. 1:28 and Eph. 2:10]

As I near the half-way point of my time and service here in Costa Rica it is easy to lose track of why I am here. It is easy to get in a routine and loose the luster that the "unknowns" used to have. As things become more familiar and I become more comfortable with that language, the culture, and especially living with a Costa Rican family, it is easy to forget servanthood, responsibility, and 'selflessness'. It is my prayer that God would work discipline and resonsibility in me over the next few months. Many He daily work in me to continue molding and scultpting the Man that He has in mind for me to be. And it is my prayer that daily I will be glorifying Him in everything that I do and say.

On that note, be looking for a blog update everyweek. I may also include a short update or thought here and there throughout the week as the Lord lays on my heart.  I cannot express to you the joy it brings me when I receive a email or post of encouragement and prayers. It fans the flame of servanthood in my heart knowing that God doesn't expect us to do life on our own.  But a true man seeks for guidance, insight, and help from others. When we are truly able to be open about our life, I believe we have stepped into the intention that God has for us to live in love, humility, unity and responsibility.