Walk in the NarrowsSample

Send him to the ground

In my work with men, for over a decade now, I have noticed a trend, a pattern that has been consistent. Over the years, the heart of man can harden, become gnarly, twisted and calloused. Patterns of thinking, being and doing can become ingrained and etched in; it’s a work that is hard to change and undo, and requires direct intervention for certain unwanted ways, habits and hardness of heart to die.

God is gracious, and the road of the heart can be worked on, lay-bys and resting bays can be opened up by God to allow men to pause, turn, divert and change. We see that a lot, and many men decide to go down that route and allow the hard-pressed ground around their hearts to be broken up again, made into good soil. It is important to say that this journey, whilst not easy, is some of the most precious and incredible work because it helps us to know Jesus more, to experience his presence and the union we so desperately need.

The bible verse for today explores this, using the image of the "old man"—his way, his agenda and his hands on the controls. But the "old man" promotes a fatherless framework for living, one that goes against the welcome and the life that you are called into within God’s kingdom and plan.

The longer the "old man" has his way and freedom to live in the forefront of your life, the harder this surrender and his death become. To turn to Jesus in your younger days, when the light of youth is still so active, is an amazing opportunity—go for it. The internal war that you may feel at a variety of moments in your life will be the work of the Holy Spirit leading you, moving you, speaking to you, and the "old man" fighting back against that work and voice. It could be about a decision within a relationship, a moment to act, speak or react. You’ll feel that stirring of a plan and sequence of actions that you know are not compatible with the Jesus you follow. A deep turning to the attractions of money, sex and power that whisper to the old man to come alive, dive in, experiment!

But a heart prepared and surrendered, and a simple prayer, conviction or decision each time that conflict arises, can and will steer you safely. This can become a life orientation and a place of absolute treasure in your walk with Jesus.

PRAYER

"Jesus, I yield to you again. Not my will but yours. Not my life, but yours. Take control, I yield my kingdom to you, open the gates of your kingdom here, and I welcome your life, jurisdiction and claim on my life. Help me here, not to let the "old man" and his way take over. I yield to you Lord, help me."