An Idea for Manly Relationships
I know it’s grace month and I’ll post my thoughts on that soon, but I’ve got two other things I hope to get on here this month and I can’t delay any longer on the first one. I think I wrote this back in Flight School, and I think I got the idea and much of the material for it from my older brother, but a few weeks ago on a trip which got extended due to bad weather, I found this and shared it with many of the Mighty Men in my life and pray they’ll take it seriously as a covenant between us. Here it is:
Men’s Integrity Covenant and Accountability Promise
As a man of faith I believe there is a spiritual realm in which war is waged for the souls of men. Mine is one such soul for which the evil one, Satan, has struggled long and hard to hold captive and ultimately destroy. I know that I alone cannot defeat such a strong force of evil. I must rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit, Who lives inside of me, and I must form alliances with other Brothers in Christ to be a more formidable and successful force against the enemy of our souls and the demons at his service.
I confess that I have not and in the future may not always choose right, but I am binding myself to this covenant that any mistakes I make, I will make known to my allies in order to ultimately succeed. I recognize that if I let sin dwell in my members I will be destroyed by it. Not only will my life be ruined, but I may hurt others in the process. I do not want this to happen, nor can I allow it to happen — the cost is too great, the stakes are too high, and the reward both now and in heaven is too precious to forsake!
My flesh desires sin and lusts after all this world has to offer; however, my spirit desires righteousness and the life of abundance God promises. I cannot allow my flesh to overtake my spirit though they wage war against each other. I must consider, believe, reckon, and live like my flesh has been crucified with Jesus Christ; all of my sinful desires – nailed to the cross just as He was. I must realize that my spirit has been given new life and now is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and through Christ I am already victorious – yes, even more than a conquerer through Him Who loved me!
I promise to my brothers, those holding me accountable that I will make every effort to contact them for prayer and support whenever I feel tempted and am in the position to fall. I know that temptation will come, but that God will provide a way out so that I may endure it. I also know that the temptation will never be more than I can bear, and that it will only make me stronger if I stand up under it and don’t give in. And I know every good and perfect gift will come from the Father as He equips me for this task.
It is my plan to have regular accountability, face-to-face or via phone, text or email, Bible reading and study, as well as dedicated and focused prayer time. I will make every effort to meet with the Lord God Almighty at least an hour each day to strengthen my relationship with Him. I will have an action plan and implement controls and perhaps even run immediate action drills in order to prepare for temptation. The enemy of my soul, Lucifer, will not attack straight on but will make every attempt to flank me or attack from the rear; therefore, I must be ready for anything and have gone through each scenario ahead of time.
No matter what, this war in the spiritual realm that is waged for my soul cannot be taken lightly or it will be lost, and failure is not an option for this servant of the King and warrior in God’s mighty fighting force!
Behold today is the day, put on your war face, let out your battle cry, and let the Devil and his minions — bring it on!
OOOORRAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!
Linked verses: Ephesians 3:16; Romans 7:23; Proverbs 13:6; Prov 7:21; Isaiah 26:9; John 10:10; Galatians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:37; 1Peter 1:5-15; Ephesians 6:19; I Corinthians 10:13; James 1:17
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