Dear Boys...

I have been incredibly blessed to spend the last term getting to know some of the most amazingly Godly men I've ever met. Admittedly they do have faults, as we all do, but ultimately they are committed to pursuing their identity in Christ and seeking out what true Godly manhood looks like.

I believe that God made men to defend and protect and fight for the things they love. Naturally this gives them an aggression that God can use for the furtherance of his Kingdom. However, time and again, men have used their aggression and greed and desire against the very things God gave them to protect. Men have allowed themselves to believe, even in the church, that they are entitled to things and that they have a right to take them, no matter what.

This is simply not ok.

What kind of man will allow his daughter to date whoever she wants without first teaching her how much she is worth? What kind of man will intimidate and belittle those around him for fun? What kind of man will guilt-trip and manipulate women into giving him what they want? What kind of man will whisper sweet nothings to his girlfriend and then go home and succumb to his porn addiction?

Those aren't men of God. They are weak, selfish, ungodly, sinful, lustful, immature, disgusting boys.

Our culture has allowed men to grow strong in their lust and weak in their faith. Pursue their satisfaction, not their salvation. Build their fortunes, not their families. Give themselves to their work, not their wives. Protect their reputation and not their children. Seek worldly everything and Godly nothing.

If we allow ourselves to hint here and there that maybe they should possibly potentially perhaps think about maybe changing their actions, but only if they want to, and if its not too much bother, and maybe not right now if that's not entirely convenient for them, then nothing will change!

We need men who dare to stand out. Men who will make a commitment and stick to it. Men who will fight against injustice. Men who will protect the weak. Men who are generous to those in need. Men who are not afraid to be honest. Men who are prepared to fight for the gospel truth. Men who will drop everything to follow God. Men who realise that this never was and never will be about them. Men who are filled with humility, love and compassion. Men who are bold in their integrity. Men who fight for things of eternal value, not temporary satisfaction. Men who seek God above all else.

Our culture needs a generation of men who will give everything they've got to be the 21st century Noah, Daniel, David, Samson, Boaz, Elijah, John, Peter, Paul... Jesus.

But ultimately, this will not happen unless they are standing alongside women who are honest, pure of heart, prayerful, loving, kind, gracious, generous, forgiving, and gentle, but also bold, brave, courageous, just, strong, fearless and full of integrity.

This change isn't going happen over night, but it needs to start now with people who dare to pray for revival.