SEARCHLIGHT
What are you doing to become an exceptional man?
SCRIPTURE
Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains….These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight those in the valleys, to the east and to the west. 1 Chronicles 12:8,15 NKJV
SPOTLIGHT
An ordinary man became extraordinary when he risked his life to save the child in the burning house. His heart was pounding as he entered the inferno. The shrill voice of the helpless child was piercing the air. It was not his strength that led him to rescue this victim. Instead, it was his heart and soul. His core values drove him to take action. He knew who he was because he knew how God valued him. He knew what he could do because he knew God was with him. Long before that incident, that “regular guy” had committed himself to becoming an exceptional man.
1 Chronicles 12 is a Bible chapter every man should often read. It describes what an exceptional man is. This chapter uses the term “mighty men of valor” 13 times to identify the qualities of an exceptional man. Here are some as seen in today’s Scripture focus. An exceptional man:
- Puts God first - All the groups mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12 recognized God had put His anointing on David and had withdrawn it from Saul. Is living for God your #1 priority?
- Takes responsibility - The Gadites defected to David. They knew David was right and joined his cause. Do you fulfill your responsibilities even though they are difficult?
- Focuses on living selflessly by putting others first - The Gadites chose wilderness living in order to get the job done. Do you sacrifice for the sake of others? Phil 2:3,4
- Practices living a healthy lifestyle - The Gadites were mighty men. They were physically and emotionally strong. Do you practice healthy habits that promote your well-being?
- Lives honestly and humbly - The Gadites were called men of valor. “Valor” has the same root as “value.” Does your reputation say you are a person of moral worth and value?
- Trains and equips himself to protect those he loves - The Gadites trained for battle not to fight but to serve and protect. Are you using your abilities to help and safeguard others?
- Develops many different abilities - The Gadites handled both spear and shield. They were capable of doing many things. Are you able to balance and fulfill your responsibilities?
- Develops a strength of mind which produces courage and firmness - The Gadites had the face of a lion. Do you daily rely on God to give you confidence and success? Phil 4:13
- Works efficiently in difficult places - The Gadites were as swift as mountain gazelles. Do you have a determination to work hard? Is God your employer? Colossians 3:24,25
- Is willing to take risks -The Gadites plunged into the flooded Jordan River to pursue their enemies to save lives. Will you risk your life to help save lives so that people will know Jesus Christ as Savior and live eternally with Him in heaven? Phil 1:21
Today is your day to BECOME AN EXCEPTIONAL MAN! Physique and brawn do not define this person. Muscle power is not the outstanding quality of a man of valor. The exceptional man is marked by the 10 qualities mentioned above. In addition, there are others. However, the point to be made is that any man can BECOME AN EXCEPTIONAL MAN when he chooses God over himself followed by right over wrong and Godly wisdom over wealth or intellect.
Will you begin your life journey to developing the manliness God has intended for you? Will you become “talented and skilled” at being a man? Will you take the 10-step challenge mentioned above? The decision is yours. God is looking to develop exceptional men. Will you step up to His invitation?
Life’s path for the exceptional man begins with having a reverential fear of God. The Bible says, “…what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statues which I command you today for your good…” [Deuteronomy 10:12,13] This is where to begin your exceptional man life!
Will you become an exceptional man? Without any doubt you can! The Bible, God’s Word, says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” [Philippians 2:13 NLT] Begin your journey now! Enjoy your journey forever!
SOMETHING TO DO
Take some time to prayerfully and carefully answer the 10 questions in the SPOTLIGHT section. You need to write down the steps you should take in order to develop the 10 exceptional qualities mentioned. For example, regarding “#1 puts God first”, “I will have a 15- minute devotional every day with God by reading my Bible and praying.”
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord God, I am choosing this day to become the exceptional man You have intended me to become. Forgive me for waiting so long to make this decision. I choose You, Lord God to be my first priority. From this moment on I am asking you to develop in me the 10 qualities that marked the Gadite men. Form me and fit me into the man You want me to be. Thank you, Lord. AMEN!