Act Like A Man: A Special Word To Fathers (Part 3)

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 

There is a true story about a professional mountain climber who set out with four others to conquer a peak. They were all connected by a single rope, spaced thirty-five feet apart. With the right equipment and training, they made the ascent successfully. At the summit, they celebrated their victory. But the real challenge was not over. As they began their descent, the lead climber, experienced though he was, slipped. Because they were all tied together, his fall pulled the others down with him. Three of them, including the professional, died in the fall.

But the tragedy did not stop there. As they tumbled downward, they collided with two climbers who were farther ahead on the descent. One of those was also killed. Even more heartbreaking, they struck three new climbers who were just beginning their ascent. Two of them died from that impact.

The lesson is sobering: the descent is often harder than the climb. It is easy to think that once you have reached a certain stage in life- middle age, retirement, or spiritual maturity- you can relax. You start to believe the fight is behind you. But this story reminds us that the choices we make as we grow older still carry weight. In fact, the consequences can be even greater.

As a man, as a father, as a leader, you are not climbing alone. There are people tied to your rope- your wife, your children, your grandchildren. If you slip spiritually, morally, emotionally, it does not just affect you. It can pull others down. Some may be further along the journey, almost at the finish line. Others may just be starting, looking up to you as an example. If you fall, it could wipe them out. That is why the call of God to every man is urgent and clear: Be watchful. Stand firm. Act like a man. Be strong. Not in your own strength, but in the strength God provides. We are not called to perfection, but we are called to perseverance.

A new generation is watching. 

They need to see that faith works. That marriages can survive. That fathers can love deeply. That men can finish strong. So today, ask God to steady your feet. Ask Him to help you stay strong in the descent. Because you are carrying more than just your own story, you are holding the hopes of those who are tied to your rope.

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