Does He Pray For You?

I’m aware that by reading some of my previous posts there are people who would say that I’m too critical of women. Also, according to modern feminist theory, I am sometimes seen as sexist. (If you’re wondering, no, I don’t care.) While I think it’s not wholly accurate to make these assertions, it happens. I would, however, point out that while I am in fact critical of women, I am equally critical of men. (Is gender equality not the “goal” of feminism?) I’m happy to point out that I have many issues with men in the world today. I haven’t written on in much in the past because I write about things that are on my mind at the time, and it hasn’t come up yet. And, for those who think I’m the type of person who wants to stand on a soapbox and complain about everyone else’s shortcomings without acknowledging my own, you are incorrect. If you think I’m critical of women, or find that I’m critical of men, I assure you I’m much harder on myself than I am anyone else. I just don’t put it into written form too often. Rest easy, my faults don’t go unnoticed.

For today I thought I would take a look at the modern man. The list of things I take issue with regarding most men today is exhaustive, so today’s post will be rather narrow in scope. Bare in mind, this is not the last thing I’ll be writing about on this subject.

I’ve seen a lot of men over time whom underappreciate the women in their lives. Why do they? I don’t know, I likely never will. Why do women tolerate it? Again, I don’t know, I likely never will. I’m of the opinion that most women, tragically, set a very low bar for themselves. Perhaps if women refused to settle, men would do better. Far too often I’ve seen women resign to being with a ‘good-enough man.’ Here’s the thing ladies, there’s no such thing as “good enough.” He’s either good, or he isn’t. There is no inbetween. The difference between a ‘good man’ and a ‘good-enough man’ is the difference between having a happy life and a content life. I’m tired of seeing women of virtue allow worldly men to tarnish them.

Here’s something for you to consider. Does he pray for you? He may wear a cross necklace, and go to church. He may sing from the hymnal, and nod as the preacher speaks. But, when he’s in his quiet place absent the eyes of men, does he pray for you? Does he pray for your well being? Does he give thanks that you’re with him? Does he seek the wisdom to guide you as he’s called? If you don’t think know he is, you need to start reconsidering your life choices.

After you’ve asked yourself if he prays for you, then ask, did he pray for you? Did he sit down and ask God to lead him to the virtuous woman he was meant to be with? Or, are you just there because you’re convenient? Did he actually pray for you, or are you just a placeholder? Is it you he wants, or are you interchangable? Does he plan on building a future with you, or does he only care about right now? Is he with you so he can boast to all of his friends, or does he tell his friends how fortunate he is that you’re with him?

Something that I learned a long time ago is that there’s a difference between a man who is a Christian, and a man who is a follower of Christ. I’m pretty sure I’ve said it a few times on my blog before; this life isn’t easy. Following Christ isn’t putting on your nice clothes and listening to a preacher talk for an hour on Sunday. It’s not going to church to be seen by others, or going to church to see others. Following Christ is meditating on the word daily. Helping the sick. Seeking the lost. Lifting up the downtrodden. Feeding the hungry. Giving hope to the hopeless. Following Christ is dedicating your life to being the most righteous man you can be, and failing miserably at it. Admitting that you are a flawed individual and working everyday to do better. To follow Christ is to pray without ceasing; for yourself, for others, and for the people you want to spend your life with.

It’s easy to put on a show and look the part of a righteous man. It’s also easy for a guy to say he knows all about working on cars. But, guess what? The second you pop your hood and ask him to adjust your timing belt, you’re going to immediately know whether or not he’s lying. In the end the true person always comes through. What’s going to happen when he told you he knows how all about cars and you two breakdown in the middle of nowhere halfway through a road trip?

Or, a better question, does he pray for you?

(editor’s note: I feel obligated to point out that I have no idea how to adjust a timing belt. I’m a mediocre mechanic at best, and that is beyond my scope. Looking back, I should have picked a different reference. Now that I think about it, I could have not said that, and you never would have known. I’m totally leaving all of this in.)
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