Dane Ortlund points out in his book Gentle and Lowly, (which was WACMM’s Men’s Book of 2020), that there’s only one place in all the Gospels where Jesus specifically describes his heart. It’s a brief, but stunningly profound statement: “I am gentle and lowly in heart.” (Matt 11:29).
He tells us
right there his heart is one of gentleness and humility – kindness and tenderness.
He does NOT say he is “wild at heart.” Yet Matt 11:29 is the most ignored verse
in ministries to men. If it were at center of our speaking, teaching, and
discipling men and their local
congregations, authentic manhood would be seen and experienced.
Why are gentleness and humility the linchpin of
understanding what it means to be a man of God – to be like Jesus. Why should
we strive to be men who are have and in live in light of those attributes?
We are new creations in Christ with new hearts with new desires for him, the things of God and the people of God, Consequently, we want to be like him in every possible way.
Yet gentleness and humility are rare today. Men, even many in churches, think they’re supposed to be macho, even dangerous. Taking their cues from the crazed culture, they mimic its values and behaviors of being combative, harsh, aggressive, judgmental, independent and self-indulgent. The world, the flesh and Satan hate gentleness and humility because it is Jesus’ heart – the heart we’ve been given. If you are not under preaching and teaching that continually reminds you of Jesus’ heart and his gospel, find a church or ministry that does.
When people saw Jesus, he was ignored or rejected. But many were attracted to him by his gentleness and humility, which was as rare then as it is today. When others see you marked by his gentleness and lowliness, they will take notice. Many will realize that what your heart is beautifully exuding is missing in the world and in their own lives.
Gentleness is so important to God that he requires it of pastors of his Church (1 Timothy 3:2): An elder (pastor) must be gentle but “not a bully."
In Titus 1:7, God says an elder must also be “lowly” (not arrogant) and “gentle” (not a bully). So to be in the pulpit, to be in church ministry, ministry to men, only those with the heart of Jesus are qualified.
So clearly what the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) needs and every denomination and every church, and every men’s ministry are servant leaders who are not bullies, abusers, harsh, arrogant, platform celebrities, secular-styled motivators, or self-promoters but men of gentleness and kindness – who have the heart of Jesus that willingly, sacrificially give their lives to others for the sake of the gospel.
So brothers as we boldly go out, let us be the radically different men we actually are in Christ. The world and Satan are no match for men who are authentically blood-bought, gentle, lowly, Spirit-empowered, gospel men.
Dave Brown
WACMM
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