Real Men Embrace Grace, Turning Imperfections Into Strength.

This week, we're reflecting on Grace. It's something we all need, and if you are like us, a muscle that we could work on as we interact with others.

Do you guys ever mess up? Maybe say something, do something, or let PRIDE get in the way of doing what we know is right? We sure appreciate some Grace when we need it, don't we?

"For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

 God granted us the ultimate Grace through Jesus Christ on the Cross. Jesus lived on this earth as a man, experiencing many of the same struggles we still experience today. Politics, betrayal, grief, temptation, and certainly suffering. When on the Cross, shortly before his death, Jesus says:

"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?)" Matthew 27:46

Do you guys ever feel like God has forsaken you? Maybe in a challenging situation right now, there is seemingly no way out. Are you experiencing health challenges, hidden addictions, or financials in a mess?

Guys, we are here to affirm that God has not forsaken us! He desires to be close to us and desires for us to live a life of purpose! Are we going to mess up? Of course, we are! Does that make us less of a man if we do? NO WAY!

God knows we aren't perfect. We aren't Jesus, that's for sure. That's why he gave us Grace! Does that mean that we do whatever we want? NO WAY!

If you haven't seen the recent movie on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we highly recommend it. We would also recommend you pick up the book he wrote, "The Cost of Discipleship." It's a tough read, so if you don't get a chance to read it, consider one thing from his writings: Bonhoeffer describes the concept of "Cheap Grace." The kind of Grace that requires no repentance, no sacrifice, and ultimately, no cross. Cheap Grace is not what Jesus went to the Cross for.

When we think about "why" we follow the commandments in the Bible, why we feel conviction when we sin, and WHY we choose to follow Jesus and live life differently than the world, we realize that it's because of Grace provided through FAITH in the most significant sacrifice ever made on this earth: Jesus's death on a wooden cross.

Guys, when we are down, let's pick each other up. When we don't feel up to the challenge, find someone who cares about you to help. If you don't think you are "good enough," then remember that Christ died, so each one of us was enough, just as God made us! Let's make a difference, men, in the name of Jesus Christ!

"Let us then approach God's throne of Grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find Grace to help us in the time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Right now, please take a minute to think about someone to whom we need to show Grace. No excuses. Pray and reflect on how you can specifically show Grace to someone who, frankly, may not deserve it. Who comes to mind? Now, what's holding us back? Pride? Fear? Shame?

The enemy could put a list a mile long in our brains about why we shouldn't show Grace. The ball is in our court, guys. What will we do?