LACK OF DISCIPLINE

a. STUDY HABITS

“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15

Is it possible to have a devoted relationship with Christ and not have a working knowledge of the word of God? The answer is no. All too often, simple basic doctrinal questions stun Christian men. On a local secular radio station here in Detroit, a DJ asked, “Why are Christians close-minded in thinking that Jesus is the only way to heaven?” A few Christian men called in, but none could give a reason for what they believe. We were made to look like emotionally driven men who rely on clichés rather than scripture….

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15

Unfortunately the lack of discipline in this area of a Christian man’s walk, has led to ungodly stereotypes of all men who rep the body of Christ. One of my pastors once told me that if you only have John 3:16 in your heart and mind, then that’s all the Holy Spirit can work with.

It’s also a lack a discipline when you can’t receive it. Many of us feel that we’re never wrong and/or are superior to others because of how long we’ve been saved or the knowledge we’ve obtained through a bible seminary, seminars or classes. Knowledge is power but knowledge without love is powerless! No where in the Bible will you read that too much love isn’t good. But you will find that knowledge puffs up self, but love builds up others. Love is a two way street, and for a man to hold someone accountable, he himself must be open for accountability, which leads to my next point. Why is it that many of us feel that we can challenge a brother when he’s slippin’ from the straight and narrow but we can’t be open for the same discipline? Pride has so many of us pimped mentally and often we tend to give into the flesh without even knowing it. I call it the, “Lone Ranger and Tonto mentality”. That’s when a man rebukes accountability/discipline and will only fellowship with people who agree with his perspective of Christianity.

“He who ignores discipline, despises himself, but whoever
heeds correction gains understanding.” – Proverbs 15:32

That’s a deep verse because the brother who ignores discipline typically thinks he knows it all, therefore leading to a falling out of a relationship that possibly is needed to sharpen him in areas that are unbeknownst to him dull. Men of God, let’s not end up like those who didn’t listen to Jeremiah.

“…Yet they did not listen or pay attention; they were stiff-necked
and would not listen or respond to discipline.” – Jeremiah 17:19-23

We never know who God will use to hold us accountable. The biggest oversight often made by some of us is that we won’t take correction from a brother who doesn’t have the biblical backing of a degree or has been educated in a system men deem legit. This will be discussed more in depth in the 3rd part of this series.

b. REPONSIBILITY & FINANCES

Being “on time” for church, bible study and work is more than a notion. How often do you go to your job like your boss is Jesus? Employers should heavily recruit Christians because of our work ethic and integrity. Whenever you get upset and mad because you have a job, you are in sin. Having a job is a blessing, especially in this day and time. But sadly, many of us frown at working a 9-5 either because we are lazy or afraid that a secular job would take away from our ability to minister “full time”. Trust me men, that’s the last thing we need to be worrying about, God knows what He’s doing. If we would just stop and analyze our motives, we would realize that we are leaning to our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), trying to enmesh our plans with His Will. I will never forget what a wise elder once said,

Instead of fully trusting GOD, we get frustrated and impatient with where we are at the moment, and move without His permission. These types of selfish decisions often lead to financial debt, stress, depression and self doubt (especially if you are married). Family is always first and with that said we must keep embedded in our minds that it’s never about us, but others. What’s disturbing is that in this day and age, being a servant leader is an oxymoron instead of a biblical principle. The misconception of being a minister/leader has lead to many impotent ministries and unstable families. As a married man of God, I realize that I must work to provide for my family, whether it is a 9-5 or entrepreneurial. It’s a no brainer!

“I think many people who are in ‘full time’ ministry now, were in ‘full time’ ministry before they realized it. There are so many misconceptions. Do we dare say Paul was a part time minister and made tents? There are so many cats in HHH that can’t wait for the day that they don’t have to work. When actually you are always going to have to work and it’s not going to be easy.” - Precise

But for some reason, maybe Television, many assume that “full time” ministry is when you stop working and focus 100% of your time on ministry. When in actuality if you’re working a secular job, you should still be focused on the things of God. Although I have a job, I consider myself a fulltime minister, because I minister/let my light shine full time: On my job, through the Yuinon, at the gym, at home, at church, on the streets, on the radio, etc. “Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, yet our training and teaching focuses on areas where we spend much less time. The workplace is the greatest mission field of our day.” - Os Hillman / Marketplaceleaders.org Some of us fight daily with quitting our jobs so that we can focus on what we think God has for us to do. Our purpose is for HIS glory, so don’t fret. Remember, satan is the master of deception and the author of confusion; he knows our desires and tempts us into making foolish and selfish decisions that put our families in financial jeopardy. No savings accounts, college funds, real estate, bonds, etc. are established for our families just in case God calls us home before we anticipate. God expects us as leaders to leave provisions for our families.

“For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.”- 2 Corinthians 12:14

I recently took out a Life Insurance policy on myself for my family. One of the requirements of the insurance policy was that I list my assets in a dollar amount. It grieved my spirit when I realized that the assets that I did have were not what I wanted them to be at this stage in my life. Upon my studies, the net worth (assets minus debts) of the median African American household is about $6,000 and for the African American Male it was only $2,500. Also, according to US Census Bureau data, nearly one-third of black families and 26 percent of Hispanic families were in debt or had no net assets. These statistics were very alarming to me. Often the case in ministry, many men fail to plan for retirement or what they are going to leave for their families.

c. FAMILY LEADERSHIP

How can someone expect to lead what God has given them, when they are a follower of sin? Every Christian husband/father should live by integrity. Not this public persona that I often see at church or Christian Hip Hop seminars but the person you are when no ones looking.

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
- Titus 2:7-8

Your family shouldn’t see a minister of God in public but a lying self-righteous hypocrite and/or adulterer at home. It troubles me when men get upset with their wives for not following them, when the previous sentence is a reflection of their actions. Another character flaw that makes a wife leery of following her husband is indecisiveness. You’ll confirm to your wife that a move you made was God lead, but when it doesn’t pan out in the time you expect, you panic and go to another “so called” revelation from the Holy Spirit. Sad to say, all many of us need is zeal, a dab of faith and we’re off and running on an un-ordained mission. You will never be taken serious until you become serious about your walk. I know making sound decisions is tough; that is why prayer and studying the bible is vital. Here are three keys I use to unlock difficult decisions.

Remember a good decision satisfies but an effective decision produces. The next article in this series will address: Low maintenance of our temples/bodies, Sex/lust, Relationships and Poor Stewards of Time. I pray that this article has and will bless all who read it. I pray that we (men) will be able to discern what is most excellent in the sight of God and may be untainted and blameless until the day of Christ. Filled with the fruit of righteousness, that comes only through Jesus Christ.

Amen

In His service,
Maji