Runners

Christian men don’t need our encouragement. By “our” I mean single ladies, and by encouragement- I mean placing their achievements in too high a light. Sure it’s great that they are growing in seeking and following God, and yes they are vastly different from unbelieving men, but they haven’t need of our acceptance- instead we should help them seek God’s acceptance and find Him as their first true love.

It seems that in many christian circles I’ve come in contact with, most christian guys are a lot like olympian runners- they’re leaders in character and content- the best of the best. Only we’re seeing them before they start the race. They’re great at stretching, and “wow, look at the determination in their eyes!”. But the gun hasn’t gone off, and we haven’t seen them preform under pressure.

A great friend of mine is now married. He and his bride have been united now for only a week, but even before they were engaged I saw a measure in him that I had not seen prior to marriage. Now let it be noted, that this friend of mine- let’s call him “Bill”- and I have been through the wringer as far as friendships go, and I’m entirely grateful for each conflict. Through the years our relationship has grown from friendship into true sibling love- I would proudly call him my brother- a title I don’t release carelessly. I build this foundation to convey the depth of our friendship, that one might understand how I’ve seen him in varying circumstances and watched as God moved in tremendous ways in his life.

However, in our friendship, although I witnessed his profound love of Christ, and true devotion to our Heavenly Father, I never saw performance and excelling in character as when he was with his bride. She brought out his tender nature and gentle heart. Her passion for Christ united with his in a way that sparked a new sense of compassion in Bill that had not previously been revealed. I continue to be encouraged and amazed at how their union in Christ has brought out such measures of sanctification.

Now back to my argument. As single women I do believe without doubt that we have a large impact on our male friends and brothers in Christ. I’m not even suggesting that we stop displaying God’s love to them in any way, it is undeniably clear throughout scripture that we should encourage our brothers AND sisters in Christ (Acts 15:32, Acts 13:5, 2 Chron. 35:2, Ro. 1:12). However, we do need to protect our affections that they might best glorify God and serve others, and if our affections are to one particular guy- that might not be along the “best glorify God” path. To expand, we do not know the will of God in every circumstance (Acts 1:7), but we do know to an extent our hearts and intentions. And whether our intentions are to “snap twigs” or use a chain saw- every motive should be pure. Far be it from me to land in legalismville, but shouldn’t we err on the side of caution? In matters of feelings and heart murmurs, often times judgment gets clouded and our thoughts are controlled by things other then Christ alone, and guys AND girls do need all the help we can get to make sure our desire streams first to Christ alone.

As we’ve been wisely advised, let’s take this back to the cross. In this matter would Jesus respond with an over exertion of enthusiasm and praise when responding to his disciples? Would he single out Peter or Jude and display life them above the others in merit and work? I think not. In Mark 9 Jesus squashes wrongful motives to land first beside Christ- the greatest of ALL should be Christ- that’s where our thinking should be.His love is clear and certain, and His intention to turn others to our Lord even more resounding. The praise He gives is all to His Father.

I started on this mini rant in response to a life situation. One that I didn’t know how to respond to, so I sought counsel and the direction was obvious. Encouragement is necessary and needed when done with right motivation. Bottom line spares from one of my favorite quotes;
“Love God, and do what you like.”
~St.Augustine
If we are loving God with all we are, our words and motives will reflect that, therefor our heart will be in line with our Saviors’.

One last thought; if every guys is lined up at the starting point of a race, and in running they are choosing to peruse a girl, more power to ‘em! “Run harder, step in faith, pray for you feet to stay under your body!” Encourage away and be strengthened by how God uses them in that moment. But before the race, cation needs be applied. Not only for our hearts and motives, but so that we don’t pull the trigger before God does.