Great Men

How would you define a great man? I believe a great man leaves a legacy behind him. He leaves something that will make a contribution in those who come behind them. The greatest example of that "something" would be a way of life. A kind of "How to Live" book for Dummies. Except, the book is not quite filled with directions as experiences. The Bible is the single greatest example of such a book. There are many, many other books along these lines. They give us insight into other's lives. I believe that there is one common trait to great men...they are open and honest.

"And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." Genesis 2:25 I heard Larry Grays say that it was not only physical nakedness but spiritual nakedness. There was an integrity to their souls. Now walls had been built up. No need to hide anything. Pure innocence. Bliss. Then of course, the fall came. Shame entered our hearts, and we carry that dreadful being in the ark of our hearts. I never thought of it as being spiritual nakedness as well. Spiritual nakedness tends to be elusive if you've never known it. Jesus must perform a reconstruction on our hearts. Knock down all the walls and partitions where we can hide any kind of sin. All open space and vaulted ceilings. Jesus likes room to stretch out, and the ability to keep a sharp eye in our hearts. This closeness and openness with God is what made great men. Great men like David, Jesus, Paul, Peter, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Eldredge....the list could go on.

These men left a legacy behind them. Their lives on paper. Not only an overview of their lives, but personal experiences that we can relate with. Many authors(these men) spare no detail. They lay their souls bare, not only to God(which is hard enough) but to anyone who will pick up their book and read. Lives laid before all to see. Narry a care as to what others think. I believe they know God wanted them to humble themselves in such a manner. It glorifies God in what He did for them; the future glorification will come in our lives from what we have learned and applied. A truly great man will sacrifice his heart and lay it upon God's altar for all to see!

Will this be easy for a man? Should we seek from the get-go to be a great man? NO! Majority of men are not known for such open displays. We are not raised that way. Rough, tough breadwinners are how we are seen. The popular image for a man does not include vulnerability, not among other men anyways. We want to see heroes with no chinks in his armor. Vulnerability is a no-no. The need to step out of society's view of a man is a must. Convention must be denied, just as David and C.S. Lewis did. Don't be lost in the crowd. Stand out for Christ. Jesus was one in millions(or however many the world population consisted of at that time)!

Baby steps are required. A slow push from the dock in our raft. For me, my aim is to be a better man that I was. Or as John Maxwell put it, fail forward. I don't know if I will ever be a great man, but I aim to be better than I was the day before. When I say great men, I mean great men in God's eyes. Pleasing to Him. Follow His Will. Under Jesus' tutelage, weaknesses and strengths will grow better. Do not become mired in today's society of the norm. Be the man God intended you to be.

My growth has been exponential by learning from these great men's lives. They did not live perfect lives(except Jesus). If they did, what could we learn from them when we fall? By looking into their lives, we receive clarity of vision through the window panes of our hearts. We learn to deal with the troubles we face. In turn, a salute is rendered. The windows of our hearts are OPENED and others allowed to view. Men always talk about courage and bravery. It usually comes in the context of physical battle. This is spiritual warfare. Always has been. An open heart on public display requires the utmost bravery and courage! The ability to become a great man of God is within us all. Heed God's call!!

kenny