In 2020 Chris Bolinger, author of few best-selling Christian men’s devotionals, published a post on “Who Reads the Bible More, Men or Women?” (https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/who-reads-the-bible-more-men-or-women.html)
It provides some insight into the challenges that men face when it comes to spiritual growth.
Here I offer three keys for men to experience spiritual breakthrough based on the data from these surveys:
1. Admit your lack of understanding and need for help.
Men are often under immense pressure to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient. This can make it difficult for men to admit that they need help, especially when it comes to their spiritual lives. However, admitting your lack of understanding and need for help is the first step to experiencing spiritual breakthrough.
The Bible is full of stories of men who experienced breakthrough in their lives after they admitted their need for God’s help. For example, Moses was reluctant to lead the Israelites out of Egypt because he didn’t think he was good enough.But God told Moses, “I am who I am. Tell the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you'” (Exodus 3:14). Moses trusted God and obeyed his commands, and he led the Israelites to freedom.
Another example is King David. David was a great warrior and a wise king, but he also made mistakes. When David sinned with Bathsheba, he confessed his sin to God and asked for forgiveness. God forgave David, and David experienced a spiritual breakthrough. He wrote in Psalm 51:17, “My sacrifice to you, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
When men admit their need for God’s help, they open themselves up to the possibility of spiritual breakthrough. They can learn from other men who are more mature in their faith, and they can receive guidance and support from other believers.
2. Make it a priority by lifestyle change and time planning
Another key to spiritual breakthrough is to make Bible study and prayer a priority. This may require making some lifestyle changes and time planning. For example, men may need to wake up earlier in the morning to have time to read the Bible and pray before work. Or, they may need to cut back on some of their other activities in order to have more time for spiritual growth.
The Bible teaches that we should seek God first (Matthew 6:33). When we make Bible study and prayer a priority, we are showing God that we are serious about our spiritual life. We are also setting ourselves up for spiritual breakthrough. God promises to bless those who seek him first.
3. Become accountable by plugging into a men’s group
One of the best ways to stay on track with spiritual growth is to become accountable to other men. This can be done by joining a men’s group or by finding a mentor.
When men are accountable to other men, they are more likely to follow through on their spiritual commitments. They are also more likely to be challenged to grow in their faith. Men’s groups provide a safe and supportive environment for men to learn from each other, to grow in their faith, and to hold each other accountable.
This is the mission of Hill Cities. Get in touch with me and I will be happy to help you find the right connection in one of our seven groups in the Twin Cities.
In Conclusion:
If you are a man who desires to experience spiritual breakthrough, I encourage you to practice the three keys discussed above:
– Admit your lack of understanding and need for help.
– Make Bible study and prayer a priority by lifestyle change and time planning.
– Become accountable by plugging into a men’s group.
God is ready to bless you with spiritual breakthrough when you seek him first and make him a priority in your life.
Do you enjoy my weekly blogs? Help me reach more people, and please share this with your friends. Thank you!
Jeff Hagen
President & Founder
Hill Cities, Inc.
