Let's face it...life is hard sometimes. 

In fact, sometimes it can be brutally hard.

In many cases, it’s easier for us to run away from our problems and try to forget about them rather than face them head on. I know I have done this and been tempted to do this more times than I can count!  I bet you may have some stories, too.

But if we want to become better men of faith - men who are becoming more of the man that God had in mind when he made us - then there are at least four reasons why we ought to stand up and fight against our emotional pull to run away from our problems and painful situations.

Consider these 4 reasons.

Reason #1: You Gain Strength Through Overcoming Difficulties

Problems bring out the best in us when we choose to stay and fight. I wish there was an easier way, but there really isn't. 

The Bible tells us that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). This means that going through difficult times can actually...

There is a lot of noise and distraction in our world today. 

Think of your typical week.  There's not a lot of margin or space for something new - let alone something important, life-giving, or of eternal significance.

With so much going on in our busy lives, it can be hard to focus on what’s most important in life. That’s why this year, we - as Christian men - need to learn how the power of focus and picking just one new discipline or habit can change our lives and help us become the men that God made us to be.

Here are 5 ideas that you can choose from to help make this new year the best year of your life!

1. Get Healthy

Taking care of your body is an absolutely crucial part of being the man God made you to be. Eating healthy and exercising regularly will not only make you look and feel better, but it will also give you more energy and focus throughout the day so that you can serve others better.

Start small.  Even if it’s just committing to walking...

5 Triggers to Help Christian Men Create New Habits

(*And Make Them Stick)

Change can be hard, but it doesn't have to be.

It is possible for us as Christian men to establish new habits and make them stick. We just need the right tools for the job. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has identified five triggers that can help us develop healthier habits and maintain them over time.  I believe these can help you and I, both, as we seek to become more of the men that God meant for us to be.

Let's take a closer look at each one.

“Cue”

The trigger of cue tells us that we must attach our desired habit to something or someone else which will act as a reminder or prompt to do the activity regularly.

This could mean setting an alarm clock so that when it rings you know it’s time for exercise or putting your shoes next to your bed so that when you wake up they are there to remind you to put them on and head to workout right away.

By attaching our...

Being a man of honor, discipline, strength, and joy is not something that comes naturally. It requires effort and dedication to live in such a way that reflects God's glory and His love for us. 

Here are some helpful tips for Christian men on how to live with these core values each day.

Living with Honor

Honor is the cornerstone of any man's life. It means speaking truthfully and respectfully to others, even when you don't agree or understand their beliefs or actions. It also means living according to the highest standards of integrity; never compromising your principles or values in order to gain favor or success. Living with honor also involves being honest about your mistakes and taking responsibility for them. When we make mistakes it can be difficult to admit them but owning up to our mistakes shows humility and courage—two qualities every man should strive towards.

Are you a man of HONOR?

Living with Discipline

Discipline is essential for any man...