It is now two weeks since the TripleM Camp at Lake Nillahcootie. The camp overall was great, but more importantly, the Courageous Movie has left us with a significant legacy for us to pursue in the remainder of 2012. All too often we go to a camp or a conference, get excited for a day and then go back to our normal life. Well, we have committed to not do that, instead, we have laid out a plan. Part of that plan will be to get more men to see the movie, but also more men to take up the challenge of the Resolution.

The Resolution

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take
full responsibility for myself, my wife and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honour her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, off of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honour authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honour God, be faithful to His church, obey his Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

What do you think of this challenge? How do you think we should respond to this? How will you respond to this challenge?

We will begin to unbolt each part of The Resolution in the coming weeks.

The Gay Marriage debate raises serious questions in regard to the profound effect this change might have on our modern society. Like all changes in the modern era, there is no historical precedent and as such can only be classed as social engineering without due regard to any unintended consequences. I personally believe that in a pluralistic society that some legal recognition of a gay union should be allowed, but not at the expense of the long and ancient tradition of marriage.

Therefore, here are some relevant arguments on this issue to consider..

• Marriage is a unique relationship between one man and one woman.
• Marriage is the foundation of family, which in turn is the foundation of society.
• If marriage can be redefined to include two people of the same gender, why not three or more people?
• Marriage is deeply valued by a large proportion of the population for cultural and religious reasons and this should be respected.
• Redefining marriage has potential serious consequences for religious freedom and freedom of conscience.
• Same-sex marriage sets up a new family model that trashes the truth that gender is vital to a child in family formation.
• Research shows that a child with married, biological mother and father do best.
• Children should be given the chance to start life with both their biological parents.

Melbourne football great, Jim Stynes has just announced his resignation as Club President. I just want to honour him for his great example to all of us.

Let’s consider some of his fine attributes:

Courage – evident on the football field, much more in evidence in his ongoing fight against brain cancer. It still might be a death sentence for him, but he continues to fight on and come back with his cheery Irish smile despite the difficulties.

Integrity – there is no doubting the genuine character of the man. A man without guile. A man of honesty.

Dedication – this is multi-layered. Dedicated to his family. Dedicated to his beloved football club. Dedicated to doing all that can be done to beat the disease. But most importantly, dedicated to life.

So Jim, we salute you for the example and inspiration you gives us all.