Articles
In The Way Of Good Men
I recently had the privilege of recording a video interview for an upcoming online conference. The topic we explored was on mentoring young men, both for a future in preaching as well as mentoring in general.
Specifically, I was asked what key truths role models need to be teaching to younger men today. Among other important things, I brought out the way God’s word offers us clarity on the differences between good and evil.
Things that are defined by God as “good”, are actually GOOD! They are still good, and always will be. His moral character is not shifting or subject to popular opinion (certainly a problem for our politicians!), so we know that, as far as moral matters are concerned, the Lord is true yesterday, today, and forever!
The striking differences between right and wrong, good and evil, are put on full display throughout the Bible, but a few things from Proverbs stand out. For example, the very first chapter outlines the kind of bad role models a young man ought to avoid. The author implores his son to watch out for cheap thrills, easy paydays, and the kind of “friends” that will lead straight into a life of violence, selfishness, and, eventually, self-destruction.
In chapter two, he goes on to say, “To deliver you from the ways of evil... from those who leave paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness, who delight in evil and rejoice in perversity...” (verses 12-15). Instead, wisdom and discretion lead a man toward “the way of good men” and the “paths of the righteous” (verse 20).
While honesty, hard work, clean language, faithfulness, and virtue aren’t exciting, they pave the road that leads to eternal life. It is a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Jesus reiterates all of these things by reminding His listeners that every tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:32-37). Bad trees produce bad fruit. They lie and steal. They destroy their bodies and minds with wasteful and self-destructive living. But good trees produce good fruit -- otherwise known as the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. We will be judged by our words and deeds, and even what we might dismiss as careless indiscretion will not be forgotten by God.
There is a way that good men live. Is that the road you are on?
