Real Man’s Toolbox

REAL Man’s Toolbox

Changing seasons in life and society…

By Leo Hellyer

I am pretty confident that the vast majority of us would have never imagined the twists and turns that American society has taken since January. Businesses, schools, sports, churches, law enforcement, demonstrations, historical monuments, politics, families, healthcare workers, military personnel, pastors, retail workers, restaurants, the stock market, etc. have all gone through unprecedented and unimaginable changes. What we are seeing and experiencing is a world that is lost in so many ways; we are living in a world that is looking for a sense of direction. The primary problem is that a good portion of those involved are looking for answers in the wrong places.

In Philippians 4:8 we read the following words, which tell us exactly what we should be dwelling on: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Unfortunately, much of society is not dwelling on these things at this time in our nation’s history.

It is time for Christian men to step up to the plate, get in the game, and be seen and heard. In other words, be Christian soldiers. We are in a battle. This battle has changed from being spiritual warfare to being actual person to person, hand to hand combat in some areas. This nation was founded on Christian principles and has lasted as long as it has because of those principles. Many of the heroes of this great nation have been Christian men, or men who followed foundational Christian beliefs.

This column has always been about giving men tools to put into their toolbox, to become the best possible men that they can be. There are many resources that are available, written by a large number of patriarchs of the faith. As men, we need to seek out these patriarchs, seek their counsel, and apply what they share with us in our own lives. Following is a list of just a few godly me who speak the truth as they have received it from God. I have also listed a few of their written works that can help us build a foundation in our lives and that can change us and those near to us, possibly changing the future of our nation.

James MacDonald – Act Like Men

Patrick Morley – How God Makes Men – Man in the Mirror

Charles Stanley – Man of God

Tony Evans – Kingdom Man

Gene Getz – The Measure of a Man

John MacArthur – Twelve Ordinary Men

Dennis Rainey – Stepping Up

John Eldredge – Wild at Heart

Let’s not squander these great tools. Let’s soak them into ourselves and then share them with others. God doesn’t speak to us and expect us to keep his guidance to ourselves. We are to go out and share our knowledge, our love, and our faith with the people God brings across our path.

If we do not like what we see going on around us, then we need to do something about it while following the words of Philippians 4:8. We need to dwell on the things of God, not on the things of man.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of God. He was a man who dramatically changed this nation for the better. He was a man who sought God’s guidance. He knew that he had a God-given responsibility to be heard and to speak to things that God was putting on his heart. Dr. King changed our nation. He believed in demonstrating against injustice, but doing so in a non-violent manner. He had a number of famous quotes, a few of which are:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

We are the human race. We have different nationalities, colors of skin, and body types, but we are all a part of the human race. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all descendents of Adam and Eve. Yes, we are all blood relatives, regardless of the color of our skin or other factors. We are all fashioned in the image of God.

God loves each one of us. We are all children of God. With God’s guidance, wisdom, and compassion, maybe we can all get to the point where we can concentrate on our commonalities and not our differences. God is the answer to everything that is wrong in our lives.

All of us have prejudices of one kind or another. It may just be that we like Dodges more than Fords. That is not something to be worried about. But, when we have prejudices involving other humans, regardless of what group of humans we are a part of and they are part of, that is a problem. We need to come before God Almighty and humbly seek his forgiveness.

Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for more than 45 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. They are both employed by Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, Norma at City Light Home for Women & Children and Leo at River of Life Rescue Mission. Leo is also the President and Chief Firearms Instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, Leo may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or 208-340-5544.