Calling Young Men to Authentic Manhood ~ By Carl Caton

My son is turning thirteen next month. Unlike most birthdays, this one will be special.  I'm inviting five men to join him at a special birthday dinner at a restaurant.  During our meal, each man will have a few moments to share some things they admire about Chad.  And when we're done, we will do something that will change this young man's life forever.  We'll say, "Chad, you're a man now."

Sound trivial? Not at all. In fact, this is a crucial ingredient in a young man's life. It is his "passage" into manhood.  I know it sounds primitive but cultures have been doing this for thousands of years.  And when a young man hears that he is accepted into the company of men, something dramatic changes inside.  This young man won't have to go out and prove he is a man.  He can just simply grow up and begin accepting responsibility for his life.

I built homes for many years.  During those years, I marveled at the thought of my work standing there for a hundred years.  Now I see how short-lived that really is. "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (Ja. 4:14) If you want your work to count for generations, then invest your time in building up your sons and daughters.  A legacy of faith is something that you can leave behind for generations to come.  As a father, there is nothing more important in my life than passing down a Godly heritage to my kids.

In my mind, I can see this group of men sitting at a restaurant with Chad next month.  Around us, other diners might think it's just another birthday party for a thirteen year old.  But in God's eyes, it will be an enormous milestone - a landmark in the training up of a young man who will be a great man in God's kingdom.

Matthew 3:16-17  "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased."

~ Carl Caton is the publisher of www.PeopleOfFaith.com and www.ChristianFathers.com. For more information on "passage" events for young men, visit www.rmdk.com