Under The Olive Tree

“Quit ye, like Men”

The making of a man is the breaking of a man – and it isn’t easy. A lot of boys never grow up – they become something like a perpetual pubescent adolescent – so consumed with themselves and who they are – or what they can do – that they cannot escape their own rotational force – they are cursed to play marionette to their own gravity.

And what of the pubescent adolescent? – who and whom and of what abiding or call?

One in training to be sure – just becoming aware of who they are; realizing that they are mind and body and soul – beginning to understand their gifts and calling, and their limitations.

For every Master at his appointment realizes his lack of skill and understanding – at the most crucial crossroads – we all ‘wing it’.

Only the most enamored with their own importance fail to recognize their own insufficiencies and lack of temper – untried, unproven, and unrequited - they feign the staunch execution of their calling and their gifts - and instead offer a cheaper and less sincere measure of themselves.

But not so with men – real men.

With the Apostle we will admonish, “Quit ye, like men.” Of what does he speak? – of what character? – of what force? – of what surrender? – of what empowerment?

The fleshly and unsightly man of sin withers with the rising of the power and light of the sun – to be clothed and encompassed about with the gifts and authority of righteousness and peace – of faith, and hope, and love. The amour of light.

Walk like a man – and you shall be a man – and the God of Heaven will bestow upon you every grace and strength.

And go not after the idolatry of the heathen – for we are called to service – and to grace – and to victory over death.