Heart Attitudes! (Reply to the last blog)

I have encountered some interesting dialogue with people from my last blog, "Quit Being A Sissy". A lot of it has been good discussion. I had a little resistance, but it was mostly from dudes that wear short shorts and sissy colors. I still got love for them.

Some of you have asked me what I would consider to be a real man. First of all, I'll take you to Scripture and the Heart Attitudes. I was introduced to this by one of my mentors, Dr. Jack Allen. He is a missionary, professor, church planter in New Orleans that longs to see a million and a half Christ loving and serving church plants in the city. He lives and dies by this code for all people as followers of Christ. Read them, I'm sold.

1. Consider Others Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

2. Live an honest, open lifestyle Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25

3. Lovingly give & humbly receive correction If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty & disgrace. Proverbs 13:18

4. Clean up relationships If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there…. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

5. Participate in ministry Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

6. Support the church financially Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6

7. Follow leaders within biblical boundaries Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17

This is a pretty good code for any man. Here are a few extra Rob requirements:

• Farting & Burping (well I can't really burp, I just fart a heck of a lot)
• Love your wife, family, kids with everything. Single dudes I'm praying for ya because I can't imagine life without my soul mate. Still, love your girlfriends with honor and respect.
  
• Stay off the porno. You know this is the biggest problem among guys. Especially ministers. Married guys, you are not exempt. Pursue Purity! Be on your guard! And get proactive about it.
  
• Passionate about the inspired Word of God. This is your map for life. This is our foundation. Memorize it, marinate on it, soak it up, celebrate it.
  
• Knows how to shake a hand and have a decent conversation. I can't stand talking to someone as if they have just crapped in their pants. Man up, stand up straight, look me in the eye, and give me a firm handshake!
  
• Hard working! I will always help someone who is willing to help themselves. There is nothing worse than seeing a guy living lazy. Especially with so much Kingdom work to do. All I want to see is some fight.
  
• Stays in Shape. You don't have to look like freakin Brad Pitt, just don't look like most Baptist preachers. Sorry, its true. I think God laughs at those Southern Baptists that love to condemn drinking when their rear end looks like the backside of a cow. God forgive us for being so sloppy.
  
• Lastly, they have to be a New Orleans Saints fan. Seriously, all other teams and other fans of other teams are nothing but a bunch of women. Just kidding....well not really.
  

I guess I will stop there. I'm sure I could come up with more. I am getting tired and I have to study Philosophy, drink hot tea, pluck my eyebrows, and take a bubble bath. You know DUDE STUFF!