Silence of Adam Part 3

Reflective Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-5

As we continue our study on the “Silence of Adam,” I would like to introduce an exercise that is 100% effective in developing heroic manly valor. To develop godly masculinity and begin to act manly, can be awkward. It can invite conflict, requires risk, and will be celebrated by some and opposed by others. It is rarely demonstrated perfectly but is perfected in the refiners fire. Theodore Roosevelt captured this perfected process in his passionate speech in Paris, 1910:

 “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Add godliness to Roosevelt’s speech and you will raise men of action who will change the world. Men who understand their role are not afraid to speak or act when they see something that is contrary to God’s moral standard. The world is beckoning men to rise up and fulfill their roles as protectors and providers, rejecting passivity and leading courageously.

The Apostle Peter unpacks this idea of rejecting passivity and leading courageously in his second letter. He writes that we are to add virtue to our faith. The word virtue in the Greek literally means “manly valor.” The word faith from its Hebrew roots carries the idea of trustworthiness, faithfulness, or faithful obedience. When Jesus said, “Verily, verily” or “Truly, truly,” he was using the word for “faith.” He was expressing that his words were true, trustworthy, and faithful.

Manly valor is the result of practicing faithful obedience in a trustworthy manner. Like any exercise, the cultivation of faith requires exercise, practice, and determination. When we begin to practice faith or faithful obedience, we will encounter roadblocks, failures, and at times, embarrassment. But as we reject passivity and exercise faith, we will begin to experience miraculous, life-changing opportunities.

A few mornings ago, I asked God to give me an opportunity to share Jesus with someone. I was in a local coffee shop, and two couples sat down at my table. They were carrying on a conversation while I was working on a script for Lamplighter Theatre. I wasn’t paying attention to what they were talking about, but I heard the word horses. Still keeping to myself, one of my staff members walked into the café and greeted me. We had a brief Lamplighter conversation, then she left. The couple, having heard us, asked me what we did for work. The door was now wide open, and as one thing led to another, I was able to share the gospel and guide them to further reading in the Scriptures to learn more. It was a glorious moment—that required faithful obedience to a given opportunity.

Early in my walk as a Christian, I felt like I inserted my foot in my mouth too many times to count. I was full of zeal but little knowledge. As I grew in Jesus, and Jesus in me, it became easier to talk about what was most important to me—that Jesus is God and lives inside me! That He forgave me and loves me so much that He would rather die than live without me! It is humbling to think that the God of the universe loves me that much. And because that love is so real, it has become more natural and much easier to share that love. 

Speaking on behalf of God or speaking his Word faithfully in the public arena is not an easy task for most. It does become more natural however, and easier, when manly valor (virtue) is cultivated. In 2 Peter chapter 1 he writes that we are to:

“Give all diligence and add to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and knowledge self-control, and self-control perseverance, and perseverance godliness, and godliness brotherly kindness, and brotherly kindness love. For if these virtues be in you, and abound, they make you neither barren nor unfruitful in the full intimate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall!”

Now there’s an incentive to pursue manly valor! God promises if you do these things you will never fall!!! I’m in! The consequences of remaining disengaged and timid, however, are to become weak and of no consequence. Tom was such a man. He lived a fearful and timid life. When facing conflict or a moral debate, he would turn the other way or become silent. He never wanted to go against the grain or take a stand on anything. And as the saying goes, if we stand for nothing, we’ll fall for anything—thus the reason for the mess we are in today.

One day, while taking his routine walk to the subway, he decided to walk through Central Park. He heard a woman crying for help.  It seemed to be coming from behind a row of high bushes. Was this a set up? Tom wasn’t going to take any chances, so he quickly walked the other way. But he continued to hear the woman’s cry. He had been praying for strength to overcome his fear and apathy. Was this the opportunity God was giving him? Tom turned and ran toward what sounded like a struggle. Tom saw a man attacking a young woman and tackled him. The man ran off. The frightened girl was hiding behind the bushes, and Tom assured her that she was safe. He didn’t hear a response, so again he assured her and said he would stay and walk with her if she so desired. Then Tom heard the most unexpected and shocking words. In tears and with a trembling voice, she said,—“Dad, is that you?” 

The opportunities to develop manly valor come without notice. These opportunities require faith, or faithful obedience, and rarely come without risk and sacrifice. That is why the Apostle Peter emphasizes that we are to give all diligence and “add” to our faith. The word “add” is seldom found in the Bible, but it carries the idea of acquiring something at great personal expense. This can come in many forms. For some, that sacrifice might mean turning off the tv or quitting video games. Perhaps it’s setting work aside to spend time with family. Maybe it’s giving up tee time to attend your child’s ballgame. Or perhaps it is facing one’s fears and defending what is morally right. We never know who we may be defending and protecting. 

Ultimately, the development of manly valor defends the weak, protects the innocent, causes the enemy to flee. 

Blessings,

Mark Hamby

Recommended Reading:

•   Arthur’s Big Opportunity (Ages 9+)

• Come What May book/audiobook (Ages 9+)

• Captain of the Flyaway (Ages 12+)

• Lost Clue book/audiobook (Ages 12+)

These are must reads for every boy and man—especially for those who are longing to live heroic lives!

As Charlie T. Jones always told me, “Readers are leaders and leaders are readers!”