How important is a promise?

Politics is an interesting place to shine the light and look for examples of values, good and bad. The most recent example is the Government approach to its “written promise” to MP Andrew Wilkie on Poker Machine reform. This article is not a discussion on that reform in itself, it is to focus on the nature of promises we make.

I found this interesting observation about keeping promises:

Keeping promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.” It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals (fruitful seed) inside of us.  http://dianagrayministries.net/bible/bs_vows.html

I like the concept of our “true inner self”. Jesus spoke about the corruption and evil that comes out of your heart.

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Matthew 15:19

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 1 Peter 2:1

So the challenge is this. The world is full of malice, deceit and hypocrisy. We can live lives the way the world does or we can live life as God wants us to … with integrity and with honesty. Sometimes we might fail, but this does not mean we give into the temptation to live lives the way the world does.

Oh that our leaders actually make promises that they are prepared to keep.

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What is truth?

I was listening to a conversation about societies issues and the question of truth came up. Is there such a thing as absolute truth? There is scientific truth, based on experimental, observable and measureable data. But is that truth? Once a famous astronomer said there were canals on Mars and everyone accepted this “truth” until it was refuted by better observations. Then there is the question of moral truth. Are there an absolute set of truths to live your life by? If there is, who determines what it includes?

In a post modern society, moral truth is actually about what is true to the individual and less about a series of absolutes. This is actually the chaos theory at work, we all make up our own minds about what is true and right and just and live accordingly, even if everyone else has a different view on what is true and right and just.

At Real Men Challenge, we begin from the perspective that we are people created by God to live according to the moral truths provided by God. A series of absolutes, that don’t change and are not subject to societal whims. The challenge for men is to find out what those truths are and then live by them.

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Supporting the Men’s Shed Online

I my job in Community Health I have always been a keen supporter of the Men’s Shed concept. Now there is a Men’s Shed Online. Watch the YouTube promo here and then go to their website for a look. One of the most serious issues that faces men is isolation. As blokes, we think we can just go through life on our own without support or help. That can be further from the truth. The Men’s Shed provides a way for men to meet and work on stuff together and along the way, conversations happen.

At Real Men Challenge, we support bring men together. Let me know what you think.

http://www.theshedonline.org.au/

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The Challenge of attitude

I receive an email every day from David McCracken and was struck with today’s scripture from Colossians.

Colossians 3:12 ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’

Yesterday I complimented the work of Father Peter Jeffries and used almost the exact same language in describing his work.

As men, our challenge is to reflect compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience in the knowledge that this is not a sign of manly weakness but is really a manly strength to achieve.

Enjoy the day.

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Well done to Peter Jeffries

Just heard that well known local Parish Priest, Peter Jefferies is
leaving Shepparton to take up a senior Seminary post in Aukland, NZ.

Peter is a fine example to all men for his compassion, empathy,
kindness, hardwork and ability to reach across different cultures.

Well done Peter and good luck.

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