I just started reading Wild at Heart for the second time. This time I am reading it with a group of guys and I am looking forward to seeing how they react to what they read.

I know it really gets me fired up. Real men . . . stand up. When I read this book it helps me to understand to understand what it is to be a man. I have heard too many time from “men” who have done something wrong and are being called on it and don’t want to admit they did something wrong say . . . wait for it. . . I am a full grown man, or I am a grown !$$ man.

Let’s just put this on the table, if you have to say that then you are not yet a man, grown or not.  Put up or shut up.  .  . Men!!

Then there is the problem of trying to be a man and a Christian. For most that seems like they can not coexist. Men are wild and free and Christians are said to be nice and well mannered.

“When all is said and done, I think most men in the church believe that God put them on earth to be a good boy. The problem with men, we are told, is that they don’t knowhow to keep their promises, be spiritual leaders, talk to their wives, or raise their children. BUT, if they will try real hard they can reach the lofty goal of becoming . . . . Nice. That is what the models of Christian maturity look like: Real Nice Guys. We don’t smoke, drink, or swear; that is what makes us men.”  Wild at heart pg. 7

Now let me ask you this, when you were young running around playing cowboys and Indians (then you are old) or man hunt or capture the flag, did you ever dream in your wildest dreams when you grew up you would be . . . a nice guy?

Ladies did you ever dream of wanting to marry a nice guy, or did you want Prince charming that was super hot? You tell me.

We wonder why more men are not in church and being the leaders God created us to be. Because we paint a picture of what the church wants a man to look like and do. And I know for me I don’t want to do those things, so I  don’t sign up, and I don’t want to be merely nice.  I want to be dangerous, hot, smart, needed, fierce, did I say hot?

If we let men be who God made us to be rather than who the church has said they want, even when they don’t, then men would come back to the church.