WARNING! WARNING! READER BEWARE! TOUCHY SUBJECT!

Don’t worry, this post is not about turkey bacon, men preparing casseroles, trout fishing with cheese, or mop flies. And it’s not about the most uncomfortable subject known to man. Just as us guys have been taught that childbirth is the pain by which all other pain is measured. This is not about the “childbirth/labor pain” of uncomfortable subjects. Fear not; this is not about the “m word” (masturbation).  So you can breath a sigh of relief and hopefully read on. However…it is a touchy, uncomfortable subject for many. Ok, you’ve been warned; here it is…

I was wondering why so many men shy away from sharing their faith. Now when I say “faith”, I’m referring to their spiritual beliefs especially regarding such matters as God, the Gospel, salvation, heaven and hell. Most men I know seem to be more than willing to initiate a conversation regarding their “faith” in certain trout flies, fishing methods, fly rods, their truck or SUV, and their favorite football and baseball teams.

As I was wondering, I guess I realized it’s not so much mysterious as it is illogical. Speaking for myself (which admittedly is only a sample size of one), I confess that for many years, even after I made a decision to trust wholeheartedly in Christ as my Lord and Savior, I was uncomfortable about having spiritual conversations. I didn’t want to step out of my comfort zone.

As a “semi-professional” psychologist (ie: I’ve not received any money, but sometimes guys give me some of their hand-tied flies after we talk a while or share a meal or some decent bourbon.) I decided to do some self analysis and I put together a short list of some of the reasons:

• Fear of rejection (ie: fear that it might damage a relationship)
• Political Correctness (Although I think it’s BS, it’s still a powerful cultural force. What if they think I’m some sort of Jesus freak?)
• I didn’t think I knew enough scriptures to answer questions or objections.
• I didn’t believe that my efforts would make a difference.
• It was sometimes hard to start such a conversation.
• Spiritual laziness, too busy to share my faith
• I didn’t understand the implications of being a Christ follower.
• I didn’t realize sharing the Good News about Christ is a command (Math 28:18-20).

At the same time, I realize it’s illogical to not share my faith. After all, I believe, Christ died for my sins. He was the substitutionary sacrifice for my sins. He bought me my salvation. He paid my sin debt—a debt I could never pay on my own. Because of him, I will spend eternity in heaven with God as opposed to in hell without God. Because of him I have peace that surpasses all understanding.

I asked myself, “If gratitude for all that isn’t enough of a driving force for me, then what kind of an ingrate am I?” After all, I claim my identity is in Christ—and no longer in the wretched, cheating, lying husband I once was with my first wife.

As I continued to wonder, I was reminded of the first sentence in one of the most impactful books I ever read—The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The first sentence is, “It’s not about you.” Which said to me, my pride makes me think it’s all about me, but I am not the Creator and center of the universe—God is! Christ has given me life —and he has given me a life of purpose and mission. FYI…in full disclosure—my purpose is to know God and to make him known to others. There, I said it, and I’m not ashamed of it!

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all my heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’…” (Matt 22:36-40)

Seems to me, it’s an act of love to obey God—especially when it’s inconvenient and even more so when uncomfortable. And, seems to me, it’s a loving thing to share the good news of the Gospel with others.

So I was wondering, in your heart of hearts, do you want to be more proactive about sharing your faith? A first step might be by associating yourself with other men who also wish to do the same thing. I’m a legacy builder, and I invite you to go to legacybuilders.faith to find out more. Legacy Builders is a para-church organization not affiliated with any denomination and it’s a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. As the website says, “Through a like-minded community and a foundation built on Biblical principles, we inspire and encourage men to become better husbands, fathers, colleagues and neighbors!”

WOW…there’s actually wording similar to that in the FATC homepage: “The FATC is a fellowship of men with a passion for fly fishing, helping them grow in their faith through community service, charity and brotherhood while working to make better husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and friends.”

And as always, you can share your thoughts—the good, the bad, and the ugly ones—on the FATC FORUM…and feel free to give me a call if you would ever want to discuss this over a cup of coffee (or while we sip some bourbon).