We were made to be Courageous

"We were made to be Courageous "

Some of you may have heard this line on the radio in Casting Crowns' new song Courageous. I did, but before tonight it did not have too much meaning for me. Tonight, Sarah and I decided to go see the movie Courageous at the theater. For those who don't know, it is the newest movie put out by Sherwood Pictures, the same people who produced the movies Fireproof and Facing the Giants. Sherwood Pictures is a ministry of the Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia and the movies they make keep on getting better. Courageous was an absolutely fantastic movie, and hit on so many solid biblical truths that I am surprised it was actually put into mainstream movie theaters. Typically, movies that have such an upfront Christian foundation are confined to the shelves of christian bookstores. But boy I am I glad that this one did find its way into America's theaters. It was such a powerful movie that I actually ended up in tears at least 4-5 times and the rest of the time I was choking down tears so as to not appear as too much of a sissy.


I don't want to spoil the movie, but the synopsis is that it addresses the issue of how fathers have missed the mark in our broken world and the profound impact that it is having on our youth and the world in general. The movie follows a group of cops and the struggles they face as fathers, husbands, friends, and as employees.The men together make a resolution to live as fathers and husbands in  a way that honors God, to have the courage to do what is right even when it isn't easy, and promise to hold each other accountable to the resolution. This movie really broke me down and reminded me of the importance of being a man of God. Many struggle with figuring out what exactly being a man of God looks like. I don't claim to have it all figured out, but the movie lays it down like this and I think they are right on:

I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

The men write the above statement on paper, sign it and frame it, and hang it on their walls as a reminder. They do this to show the significance of the statement and to magnify the importance if it in their lives. It isn't easy for them, and It isn't going to be easy for me. But just as the men in the movie portray, I know the significance of committing to live a life that follows this resolution. Towards the end of the movie, the main character is giving a talk in front of his church and makes the following statement: "Where are you men of courage? I believe every father should step up and answer the call and say I WILL!" I am resolving to answer the call. No, I am not a father yet but I think it is of dire importance that I do this now and not wait until the day when I am looking back wishing I had. Will you answer the call that the Lord has given us men? For starters, go see this movie. If it doesn't touch your heart in some way, you were probably asleep. 

      "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” - Joshua 24:15