Brad Andres encourages us to look at the heart of a man rather than merely the way he dresses or looks. Specifically, Brad thinks our image of christian men needs to change.
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It may be khaki pants, a tucked in polo shirt, shaven, clean cut hair, wife, two kids, and a two story off-white house with a picket fence.
Or it could be worn jeans, a loosely fitted tee shirt, old tennis shoes, a high mileage, low rusted car, and a family.
How about suit and tie, slicked hair, bible always in right hand near his chest hidden behind the glare of his watch.
Maybe it’s the dude with tattoos, torn shirts, camo shorts, and who likes to enjoy a few beers on the weekend.
Or possibly it is the gentleman who has the kept beard, deep voice, button down shirt, and each weekend plays poker, drinks a little whiskey, and smokes a couple cigars.
Last it may be the one that always has crazy hair, wild beard, and a little sour smell because he has no place to call home, but he has Jesus.
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There is as much variety to perceptions of a Christian man, as there are men in the world. So what does the image of a Christian man look like?
If we stop looking at the outside appearance, the next place we look are to a man’s actions. This is both good and bad. Actions can reflect faith held in the inner soul. However, actions can also be misread, misinterpreted, and misunderstood.
For example, according the Christian understanding of the Bible, some people feel it is acceptable for a man to drink in moderation. Conversely, other more conservative christians feel the Bible teaches absolute abstinence from alcohol. Similar opposing ideas exist centered around smoking, card playing, and other social actions a man may partake in.
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Therefore, is it achievable to determine the Christianity of a man based on his social actions? I propose that it is not.
So what does the image of a Christian man look like?
We should consider the traits of love. Does he devote himself to his family, his friends, and all people?
Maybe we look at the wrong things when determining if a man is a Christian based on of his outside appearance. The Old Testament Scriptures teach that “the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. We need to value the right things when we are assessing if someone is a Christian man, breaking our stereotypes and calling men to walk their talk, not just “look the part.”
Ultimately, the perception of a Christian man should reflect the inside of a man. A Christian man is called to be a man of faith, character, virtue, and integrity. Therefore, why would we look at what we can readily see when we are imagining a Christian man?
We should consider the traits of love. Does he devote himself to his family, his friends, and all people? We should consider whether we see integrity in his life: Does he keep his word? Does he do what he says? We should consider whether we see evidence of his faith: Does he trust his God? Does he submit himself to Jesus’ teaching?
When you think of a Christian man, do you picture the outside appearance? Or do you imagine the character which describes the man? How are you walking the talk, rather than just playing a part?
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I’m not a Christian, and I have no specific idea for what a Christian man should look like. Based on experience, I’d say Christian men come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Why would a Christian man look any particular way?
As for “character, virtue, and integrity” – sure, but those are qualities we ask of any man, are they not? They are not special to Christians.
Faith – I guess, but outside my field of experience.
“When you think of a Christian man, do you picture the outside appearance? Or do you imagine the character which describes the man? How are you walking the talk, rather than just playing a part?”
I imagine the people in my Christian Community,all shapes and sizes,blue collar,white collar, jeans and t-shirts and suites.
Who stereotypes Christians? Perhaps it the many who judge Christians?
I’m not a Christian, and I have no specific idea for what a Christian man should look like. Based on experience, I’d say Christian men come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Why would a Christian man look any particular way?
As for “character, virtue, and integrity” – sure, but those are qualities we ask of any man, are they not? They are not special to Christians.
Faith – I guess, but outside my field of experience.
“When you think of a Christian man, do you picture the outside appearance? Or do you imagine the character which describes the man? How are you walking the talk, rather than just playing a part?”
I imagine the people in my Christian Community,all shapes and sizes,blue collar,white collar, jeans and t-shirts and suites.
Who stereotypes Christians? Perhaps it the many who judge Christians?