Proverbs 31 Project: Let's Hear It For The Boys!

 

 

I promised I'd toss out a suggestion for the man's version of this project, and here we go.  Paul is writing to Timothy in approx. c.62-67 AD about church leadership, and he outlines the requirements for a qualified elder (church leader).  I'd argue that what Paul outlines as the requirements of a church leader are also the traits of a commendable leader in the home, in the workplace, and in the community.

Paul writes:

"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless."

And well, what blessed fortune, did you notice how perfectly that list breaks down into 12 months? 

I'm not a man so bear with me as I elaborate on what I feel, biblically, these traits really mean.  I borrowed guidance from Dr. Albert Mohler as I tried to describe a little more what each month's focus is.  Feel free to disagree with me in the comments if your take on one of these items is different than my own.

November: Above reproach, "dignified" - integrity and honor are themes in the decisions he makes (set a firm foundation!!)

December: Faithful in relationships; NEVER lies; practices sexual integrity, avoiding pornography, fornication, all forms of sexual promiscuity and corruption

January: Clear-headed, logical, mature; understands that a clear understanding of moral standards must move to the higher level of moral reasoning, by which a man learns how Biblical principles are translated into Godly living and how the moral challenges of his day must be met with the truths revealed in God's inerrant and infallible word.

February: Self-controlled, courageous; understands that in these days, Biblical manhood requires great courage. The prevailing ideologies and worldviews of this age are inherently hostile to Christian truth and are corrosive to Christian faithfulness.

March: Lives in a way that earns him the respect of others (Godly respect, not worldly popularity); has a good reputation; he is known as a principled man who is not ashamed of who he is & what he stands for, he knows to stand in the gap where a leadership need is apparent.

April: Hospitable, understands that while the arena of the home is an essential and inescapable focus of a man's responsibility, he is also called out of the home into the workplace and the larger world as a witness, and as one who will make a contribution to the common good.

May: Good communicator - Verbal maturity sufficient to communicate and articulate as a man; Able to demonstrate emotional strength, constancy and steadfastness, but also able to relate to his wife, his children, his peers, his colleagues and a host of others in a way that demonstrates respect, understanding and appropriate empathy.

June: Sober - doesn't drink alcohol in excess, do drugs, or eat gluttonously; he makes having a clear head and a clear conscience a priority

July: Gentle, peacekeeper/peacemaker; he doesn't have a temper, he is patient; understands the Biblical model of a Christian man: fierceness and gentleness combined.

August: Frugal, not materialistic or greedy;  knows how to hold a job, handle money with responsibility and take care of the needs of his family

September: Responsible and fully-engaged husband and father (single guys - this could mean actively participating as a son/brother/etc); the health of his family is his top priority, and he actively participates in his home & the raising of his kids

October:  Rooted Christian, humble in light of the grace he's received, knows what he believes and has disciplined himself to continue growing in faith & understanding

I don't know what books out there would correspond with each of these topics most relevantly (besides, most guys I know would laugh heartily if I suggested they read a whole book EVERY MONTH) but maybe you have ideas for how men could actively engage each month in the pursuit & understanding of these traits.  Would love to hear your thoughts! 

And girls - do you agree with me that these are the traits that Godly women hope & pray to find in a husband?

 

Comments

[D]

C,

Daunting stuff, but now I have something to focus on for the next few months!

D

[C]

DG, I know you gave pleeeenty of important things to focus on in the next months! Like gettin home safely! Thanks for your feedback - you're one of the few guys I know who not only possesses these traits already but who I know us dedicated & determined in his pursuit of godliness. You could write the book on this (no, really - want to write the guys book whenever I decide to turn my P31 project into a girls book?) :)

[D]

Write the guys book?? Talk about daunting! I guess I could give it a shot.