Today I finished re-reading a book I read years ago. After becoming a Christian, through trials and tribulations, I attended for a while a men’s group. This group was part of CMN (Christian Men’s Network) founded by Dr. Edwin Louis Cole. The book gave me a chance to think back on those days and reflect.  I like to do this at times and wonder, like the old boxer, if I have lost a step or two along the way.

In the revised book Dr Cole has this line near the end of the book
“Nancy said it best, ‘Edwin, let’s not just fade away, but let’s burn out for Jesus.'”
Cole, Edwin Louis (2001-01-18). Maximized Manhood (Kindle Location 2809). God’s House of Prayer, Incorporated. Kindle Edition.  (Edwin Louis Cole – born: September 10, 1922, died: August 27, 2002)

I admit there are times I feel more like I have faded away rather than burning bright for Jesus. At some of these points in my life God has given me an event as if to say, keep going your on track. Other times a book reminds me of my “first love” and challenges me to focus on God every day.

Ed Cole is considered by some to be the father of the men’s movement. His well coined phrase “Christlikeness and manhood are synonymous” and with it challenged men around the world. He was a speaker at the early Promise Keeper events.

Dr Cole builds the foundation as it came to him:

Scripture says the Israelites were examples for us.
1 Corinthians 10:6-9
Here were the reasons for failure, listed in the Word.
“Lust.”
“Idolatry.”
“Fornication.”
“Tempting Christ.”
“Murmuring.”

If you have not read “Maximized Manhood” it is a book I would recommend.

“Courageous” the movie (and book), and related books like Resolution, follow in the steps of Dr Cole, calling men to step up and be leaders.
“The physical absence of fathers is now considered the most significant family and social problem facing America.”
Kendrick, Stephen; Alcorn, Randy; Kendrick, Alex (2011-07-31). The Resolution for Men (p. 16). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Because of the success of groups like Promise Keepers and CMN over the years it shows the need is there.   In recent times the movies Fire Proof and Courageous have followed in the theme of the men’s movement.

It proves God puts his desires in our hearts, even if we don’t listen and follow, it is there.  Often we drowned it out with the world but it is there.

If you don’t have a copy of “Maximized Manhood”, start with 1 Corinthians 10:6-9, ask yourself how these things are reflected in your own life.

I will give you one more quote from early on in the book:
“But—the Israelites failed to reach Canaan.
They failed for those five basic reasons that are listed in First Corinthians, chapter ten.
Those five reasons are the same reasons why men today do not get their Canaan Land fulfillment in life.”
Cole, Edwin Louis (2001-01-18). Maximized Manhood

Another Great book is by Tony Dungy, “Uncommon” in which he gives great principles for men to follow:
Keys for Developing Your Core
1. Remember that what you do when no one is watching matters.
2. The means matter as much as the ends, if not more.
3. Hang in there. Character is revealed through adversity.
4. Often we grow as much through the little things as we do through the big ones.
5. Truth is critical. Being truthful is too.
6. Don’t rationalize your way around honesty.
7. Don’t blow your own horn.
8. Don’t be falsely modest; you have amazing gifts. Just recognize that others do too.
9. You are important, but not indispensable. The same goes for others. See yourself as a significant part of the process.
10. Be careful what you do with your resources, gifts, time, and talents. You’ve been entrusted with them.
11. Some of the most rewarding times in life are when you have to stand alone, even if you are uncomfortable doing so.
12. Life is hard. Courage is essential. 13. Never give up. Never.
Dungy, Tony (2011-02-21). Uncommon (Kindle Locations 620-634). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.