christianity – Page 3 – Men's Small Group Blog

Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose

Our next chapter from “Man in the Mirror,” is titled “Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose.” It challenges us to consider what it really means to lead a significant life. For many, significance might be measured by achievements, influence, or the legacy they leave behind. However, this chapter invites us to consider a deeper concept of significance—one that aligns with God’s purpose and design for our lives.

Today’s Scripture is from Psalm 8:3-4 and says “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

These words remind us that no matter how much worldly significance we achieve, it all pales in comparison to the “work of God’s fingers”. And, as a result, we can gain more real significance by pursuing God vs. pursuing things.

Instead of defining our worth by worldly standards, which are fleeting and often leave us feeling unfulfilled, this chapter reminds us to find our significance in our relationship with God and our faithfulness to His call. This shift in perspective realigns our priorities and enriches our lives immeasurably more than any worldly accomplishment could.

Here’s a real head-scratcher – if we took a test about where our focus should be, we would all choose Godly significance as the “right” answer. But as soon as we stand up and leave today the first thing many of us (including me) will be tempted to do is check our messages and get right back into the rat race. That’s not to say that we should ignore our messages, but it highlights how quickly our focus can shift from Godly to worldly pursuits

I don’t believe the author is advocating for a life of poverty over one of wealth and material riches, nor is he anti-wealth or anti-accomplishment. Rather, he seeks the best for his readers, understanding that a laser focus on worldly things is less fulfilling than embracing God’s eternal perspective. Let’s explore this and other topics in our discussion questions below.

Do you agree with the statement above that the author really just wants the best for each of his readers or do you get the sense that he’s anti-wealth/anti-accomplishment (worldly accomplishment that is)? Or is the answer “both and”?
Why is it so tempting to choose the worldly significance path when we know the Godly significance path is better in every way? And are those two paths necessarily distinct & separate?
Two-part question – what daily habits do you currently follow to align more closely with God’s purposes for you? And what habits would you like to add?
How do you want to be remembered in terms of your faith and impact on others?

Cultural vs. Biblical Christianity

Today’s topic, from the third chapter of Man in the Mirror is a comparison between Cultural Christianity and Biblical Christianity. “Cultural Christianity” involves going through the motions—attending church, participating in Bible studies, and identifying with Christian values mostly in public or traditional settings. However, this approach may lack the depth of personal faith, daily reliance on Scripture, and a living relationship with Christ that defines a Biblical Christian.

Today’s lesson is about bringing awareness to the difference because I believe that many of us might find ourselves acting in the role of a cultural Christian without even realizing it. That brings us to the verse for today which is from James 1:22-23:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

So, what’s the big deal, right? If we live life as a cultural Christian, nobody gets hurt, and we are at least acting like a “good guy”. Is this really that bad? To me, this is like neglecting our health by skipping exercise and overindulging in desserts—eventually, our doctor might deliver news we can’t reverse.

In the same way, imagine pausing to reflect on December 31^st of even one single year and genuinely contemplating the quality of our faith life over the previous 12 months. In many years, we might realize that, while we’ve been present at church, we haven’t been fully present in our walk with God. And while that single year of regret is genuinely sad, consider adding all the rest of your years of regret together and thinking about that weighty idea as you near the end of your life on earth – wow, now that’s powerful.

But the good news is that it’s a lot simpler than we try to make it. It’s not about doing more in most cases; it’s about doing less. Typically, we don’t need more Bible studies or volunteering at the soup kitchen; we need more quiet time with God and more time to reflect on scripture. Those are the real moments when God speaks to us and moves our hearts.

The path of a Biblical Christian involves a daily (yes, daily) commitment to transform our hearts and minds to reflect the image of Jesus. But it is completely worth it! Imagine waking each day with a sense of purpose and a life of peace. This is not just a distant dream; it is very much available to each of us as we deepen our faith.

As we dig into these questions, let’s really challenge ourselves. By sharing authentically, everyone will hopefully leave today with a renewed passion for living as a Biblical Christian.

Questions:

1. Do you agree with the statement above that it’s possible to live much of our life as a cultural Christian without even being aware of it?

2. Based on your personal observations, do it seem to you that most people spend more time in the realm of cultural or Biblical Christianity?

3. What are practical steps we can take to transition from a cultural to a Biblical Christian?

4. Looking forward, what changes do you hope to see in your life as you shift towards a more engaged and Biblical Christianity? How do you envision this impacting your sense of fulfillment and purpose?

Leading an Unexamined Life

Building on our conversation last week about breaking free from the rat race, this week we’ll focus on the topic of “Leading an Unexamined Life”, which is the second chapter of “The Man in the Mirror.”

Today’s verse is from Lamentations 3:40 which says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

Understanding the Unexamined Life

The unexamined life, as discussed in our passage, reflects a journey without introspection, where actions and decisions are made without the deliberate consideration of one’s values, purpose, or the alignment of these with God’s will. It reminds me of the saying “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. This can lead us away from the path God intends for us, resulting in a life filled with missed opportunities for growth, fulfillment, service, and building strong friendships!

The Tombstone Testimony

This chapter discusses the topic of legacy and the signs/indications of a life well-lived. Our desire to be remembered as “a good and faithful servant” underscores the essence of leading an examined life. This is a life that consistently reflects on how our actions, relationships, and faith align with God’s expectations and our true calling.

The Journey of Faith

As we mature in our faith journey, our trust and commitment to Jesus should deepen, moving from a conceptual belief to a guiding force in our life. This shift is an essential part of transitioning from an unexamined to an examined life, where our daily choices and our overarching life direction are intentionally aligned with our faith.

The Call to Discipleship

This chapter also discussed the importance of discipleship in preventing the pitfalls of an unexamined life. Discipleship, characterized by mentorship, guidance, and accountability, helps us navigate our faith journey, ensuring we remain true to our Christian values and God’s plan for us.

Embracing the Examined Life

In our goal to move toward living examined life, we commit to a journey of frequent reflection, which reminds us to align our values and our daily actions. It’s a path marked by a willingness to ask tough questions, to face our imperfections, and to grow in faith and character under God’s guidance. This chapter challenges us to look beyond the superficial, to dig deeper into our faith, and to live in a way that, when our time comes, we too might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Questions:

Based on today’s lesson, would you say you are living a life that is closer to the examined or unexamined end of the spectrum?
Reflecting on the “tombstone testimony,” what words or phrases do you hope might define your life?
As a follow up to question #2, does your vision of how you want to be remembered influence your daily choices and long-term goals? If so, in what ways?
How can this group help those who want more discipleship and accountability in their lives? What are some simple but powerful things group members can start doing that will move us in this direction?
Facing the Mirror: If you are comfortable sharing, what discrepancies do you find between the “visible you” and the “real you”? How can you bring these into closer alignment?

Easter Mountain Climbing

As we observe Good Friday this week, we have time to reflect on a theme that we also explored last week—mountains. Specifically, we draw inspiration from Isaiah 2:1-4, where the mountain symbolizes a place of encountering God, learning, and mutual growth. This Easter, I invite you to view our collective spiritual journey through the lens of ascending a sacred mountain—a journey that ties in with our exploration last week of “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks.

The Mountain of the Lord: Easter’s Call to Ascent

Easter is a season of renewal, resurrection, and reawakening. It invites us to contemplate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate journey from the valley of death to the pinnacle of new life. This ascent to the “mountain of the Lord,” as Isaiah envisions, symbolizes our call to move closer to God, seeking His ways and walking in His paths.

Connecting the Mountains

Last week, we reflected on the metaphor of climbing two mountains. The first mountain is about personal ambitions and success, while the second mountain focuses on selflessness, commitment, and service to others. This Easter, we’re reminded that there is yet another mountain to climb—the one where we meet God in His majesty, learning His ways and committing to walk in His paths.

From the Valley to the Mountain Top

Easter is a good time to reflect on the valleys of our lives—moments of suffering, doubt, and death. Yet, it offers a profound hope that, with God’s help, we can conquer these valleys! (can I get an Amen!?) The resurrection of Jesus signifies that the darkest valley can (and did) lead to the highest mountain, where eternal life and peace reign.

The Communal Journey Upward

Isaiah’s vision of the mountain of the Lord is not just an individual ascent; it’s a group invitation. “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.'” This echoes the importance of community and service we discussed last week. As we climb towards Easter’s promise, we do so together, supporting and uplifting each other in faith.

Embracing Easter’s Journey

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, let’s embrace the journey from the valley to the mountaintop. Let’s renew our commitment to learn from God, to walk in His paths, and to do so together as men who support each other in every way possible and always want the best for each other.

Reflection Questions for Easter Ascent

1. How does the Easter story of resurrection inspire you to get through valleys? And, if you are comfortable sharing, what valleys are you emerging from, and what mountain are you climbing now?

2. The journey to the mountain of the Lord is a communal one. How does your faith community come together to support each other in this ascent? How can you contribute to this journey?

3. Similar to the last question, as we collectively ascend the mountain of the Lord, what do the words “leave no man behind” mean to you? What are some ways we can live out that idea?

4. Imagine reaching the mountain of the Lord, as described by Isaiah. What emotions and thoughts does this evoke in you?

5. Isaiah speaks of learning the ways of the Lord. How can you, in this Easter season, commit to learning more about God’s ways and applying them in your life?

Uplifting Our Church Leaders

While we usually discuss topics that affect us directly, today we are focusing on how we can support our clergy and how, in doing so, each of us and the entire community is strengthened.

Supporting our clergy and church leaders is foundational to the health and growth of any church. They guide us, inspire us, and dedicate themselves to serving not just the church, but each of us individually. Recognizing their commitment, it’s important that we, as a congregation, actively support and uplift them in their spiritual and practical endeavors. This is especially important during times of significant changes and uncertainty, as many churches are experiencing now.

Supporting our leaders goes beyond verbal affirmations; it involves practical steps to ensure their well-being and effectiveness in ministry. This includes providing them with resources for their spiritual nourishment, respecting their need for rest and family time, and offering constructive feedback with grace. Encouraging our leaders allows them to serve from a place of renewal and strength, fostering a healthier and more vibrant church community.

Leveraging Church Community Skills and Talents: Emphasizing the congregation’s role in the church’s mission can alleviate some of the burden on our leaders. By identifying and utilizing the diverse skills and talents within our community, we can support our leaders more effectively. This approach not only distributes responsibilities more evenly but also fosters a stronger sense of ownership and involvement among members.

Practical Support and Appreciation: Simple acts of appreciation and practical support can go a long way. Whether it’s volunteering to lighten their administrative loads, offering gifts of gratitude, or simply sending a note of thanks, these gestures affirm the value of their work and ministry.

Prayerful Support: Possibly the most powerful support we can offer is our prayers. Praying for our leaders’ strength, wisdom, and guidance is crucial. It’s a spiritual lifeline that sustains them through challenges and bolsters their ministry.

Fostering Open Dialogue: Creating an environment where leaders feel heard and supported in their challenges and ideas fosters a stronger, more resilient church community. Open dialogue allows for shared burdens and collaborative solutions, reinforcing the bond between clergy and congregation.

In supporting our clergy and church leaders, we embody the biblical principle of mutual care and encouragement, which is described in this verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 — “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” Let’s commit to being pillars of support for those who lead us in faith, ensuring they have the strength, love, and resources needed to carry out their God-given missions.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. What do you believe are the most effective ways we can support our church leaders both spiritually and practically?

2. What are some specific ways we can show appreciation for our clergy and leaders’ hard work and dedication?

3. How does prayer for our leaders impact not just them but also the wider church community?

4. What are some of the positive impacts of supporting our church leaders?

5. Reflect on times when you’ve felt supported or unsupported in your own endeavors. How can this perspective help form our approach to supporting our church leaders in both their personal and ministerial challenges?

Fit for Heaven: How Community Lifts Spirits and Health

The Christian call to community is not just a call to fellowship and to being socially active with each other. It’s a divine invitation to participate in a transformation process (both helping others transform and being open to transforming ourselves).

While community is not just about sharing each other’s burdens, that is an important part of it. This is reflected in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse underscores the principle that our growth and fulfillment as believers are somewhat dependent on how engaged we are in a healthy community.

The Role of Intentional Community in Spiritual Transformation

True community extends beyond social gatherings; it involves a real commitment to support each other in tough times. This support fosters a sense of belonging and provides a supportive environment for personal and spiritual growth.

The intentional pursuit of community helps us model Christ’s love in our interactions and, in doing so, we undertake God’s work directly. Ephesians 2:10 says “As Christ’s hands and feet, we participate in these good works, walking the path laid out for us.”

And there are many benefits to remaining in a genuine community. Many studies reveal that remaining connected in community has very positive impacts on longevity, quality of life, and physical health. While there is always room for improvement, one of our group’s goals is to encourage men to be authentic so we can receive these and other benefits.

And when we talk about Community, we should also consider that word in the context of engaging the community in service and outreach activities. Building on the ideas above, serving together not only positively impacts the wider community but also strengthens the bonds among participants, fostering a shared sense of purpose.

By emphasizing the benefits of bearing each other’s burdens and of intentional community involvement, it invites individuals to participate actively in a powerful transformational process. Having said all of that, it’s still a challenge for most men to welcome vulnerability and close relationships. That’s a topic, among others, that we’ll cover in these questions.

Before we can achieve the benefits mentioned above, we need to be vulnerable and also welcome the same from others? Why is this tough for most men? Is it possibly because vulnerability can be seen as weakness?
Do you feel that sometimes when a conversation among men starts getting too personal, someone will do something to keep it from going any deeper – humor, change of subject, or start an argument, for example?
Related to question #2, if we don’t allow conversations to go deeper, what are some benefits we might be losing?
What role does service play in the life of our community, and how can it enhance our sense of purpose and connectedness to each other?
How does participating in an intentional community transform your personal faith journey?

Embracing the Eternal over the Momentary

Today’s topic was inspired by Scott Edwards who bravely fought brain cancer for many years but ultimately passed away last week. Many of you in this group likely attended his funeral yesterday. His life was a great example of how we should dedicate ourselves to eternal purposes and not to short-lived or materialistic pursuits. So, we dedicate this lesson to Scott and the legacy of love and faith he left behind as he entered the gates of heaven.

We talked recently about how easy it is to get caught up in the worries and distractions of our daily existence. Yet, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 offers a meaningful perspective, urging us to look beyond the immediate: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Today we’ll focus on three key elements from this verse – minimizing worry, being present, and focusing on the eternal.

Finding Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

1. Embracing a Worry-Free Life: Our earthly troubles, though they may seem overwhelming, are described as “light and momentary” in the grand scheme of God’s plan. This perspective invites us to surrender our worries to God, trusting in His eternal wisdom and plan.

2. Being Present in Every Moment: In a world that’s constantly rushing towards the next big thing, this verse reminds us of the value of being present. Every day is an opportunity to experience God’s love and to showcase that love to others.

3. Focusing on the Eternal: Our culture often emphasizes material success and visible achievements. However, what truly matters is often unseen – the growth of our spirit, the love we share, and the faith that guides us.

Applying Eternal Perspectives in Daily Life

Not Worrying: How can we practically shift our focus from worry to trust in God’s plan? It involves a daily commitment to prayer, reflection, and consciously choosing to trust in God’s promises.

Being Present: It’s not just about physically being there, but also about being emotionally and spiritually engaged with those around us. It can be as simple as truly listening to someone or as profound as being fully aware of God’s presence in every moment possible.

Focusing on the Eternal: This means prioritizing our spiritual growth and the well-being of others over worldly gains. It’s about making choices that align with our faith and eternal destiny, not just with immediate desires or societal expectations.

Questions:

1. How effectively do you let go of worries and focus on God’s eternal plan in your daily life? If you are skilled in this area, please share some of your tips with the group.

2. “On paper” being present is so simple. So why is it so hard for us to master?

3. Can you share an experience where being fully present in the moment led to a deeper spiritual insight or personal connection?

4. In what ways can we encourage each other to prioritize eternal values over temporary successes? How can we best support each other in this worth pursuit?

5. How does the distinction between what is seen and unseen affect your decision-making and life priorities?