Men, we are called to more than survival. We are called to thrive—for the glory of God and the good of those we love. Let’s take up the challenge to honor God and lead our families with courage as we navigate the still and stormy waters of manhood by engaging in these three deep disciplines -

Deep Discipline One: Discipline Your Body with Love - Without discipline, a body will become weak and unhealthy. Most people have a Hate/Love relationship with discipline. They hate the pains but love the gains. Read the following verses on disciplining ourselves physically below -

• "I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." - 1 Corinthians 9:27
• "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11
• “Do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart... For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” - Hebrews 5b-6 (Excerpts)
• “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies... For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of His body.” - Ephesians 5: 28-30 (Excerpts)
• “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18

Deep Discipline Two: Slay the Stress Dragon - It is no secret... Stress is a fire-breathing dragon to your health and well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, “The long-term activation of the stress response system and too much exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all the body's processes. This puts you at higher risk of many health problems, including Anxiety. Depression. Digestive problems. Headaches. Muscle tension and pain. Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. Sleep problems. Weight gain. Problems with memory and focus.” Nothing will age you more quickly or cause your body to breakdown more swiftly than stress.

Deep Discipline Three: Embrace Living, Aging, & Dying - Every day of life is a gift from God. Old age is an honor and responsibility. Death is only the beginning. Getting your mind right about these things will transform the way you navigate the Sea of Health and Well Being. Consider these words from Eugene Peterson in The Message paraphrase of Psalm 139:16 - “Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before You, the days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.”

Navigating the Sea of Health and Well-Being as a man is about far more than looking good at the beach. It has everything to do with being our very best for the glory of God and the ones we love. We only get one body for this lifetime, which was purchased at the price of God’s Son, so let’s make the most of it and honor God with our health!

The Seven Seas of Manhood: Navigating With Courage & Confidence the Still & Stormy Waters of a Man's Life is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to grow as husbands, fathers, and leaders. If you are a man who wants to thrive in every storm and season of manhood, we encourage you to join or start an IMPACT Cohort and participate in this 7 week study. Set Sail Here.