Accept It

This is the third in a series of contemplations that discuss various respectable characteristics of a good man and encourage strong, virtuous masculinity. Check out “Servant”, published September 3rd, 2024, to read part one, and “Die For This”, published September 12th, to read part two.

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A man who thinks he can stand alone against the world is not defined by his strength but by his foolishness. Pride blinds his sight as he rushes towards destruction, for this world has broken the toughest of men.

Gentlemen,

We have previously talked about how a man is called to be a selfless leader by putting the needs of others before his own. Achilles and Leonidas were introduced as prime examples of selfish and selfless leadership (read more about that here). Additionally, we have discussed what it means to be a servant and why embodying that role is important. Jesus set that standard. He is God who lowered Himself to be a man. He served others by ultimately dying on the cross (read more about that here).

It is worth noting that neither of these two roles is easy to fulfill as they require a substantial amount of humility. Today’s topic of contemplation will be no different:

Just as we need to recognize that we must be servants and selfless leaders, we must also accept that we are warriors in need of aid.

Yes, gentlemen, we need aid. We cannot stand alone. Just as we so strongly desire to serve others, we must accept their service as well.

Many of us reject support, refusing to believe that we cannot stand on our own two feet. We think it means we are weak. Well, the truth is, we are. So, we can be fools and succumb to our pride, or we can be wise and admit that we are only men.

This topic is something near and dear to my heart. I used to believe I was strong enough. I thought I could face any hardship without betraying myself or my God. I was wrong. Now, I’m learning what it means to allow others to strengthen me. Is it humbling to admit that? Absolutely. Did my ego take a hit? For sure. But I would rather have a bruised ego than continue down the lonely path of a fool.

Even Jesus, the Son of God, did not reject service but accepted it graciously.

People offered him a place to stay on his travels. They cooked for him, provided a bed, and so on. And when he was carrying his cross to the place of his tortuous execution, a man was even pulled out from the crowd to help him, and Jesus did not reject it.

There is virtue in accepting service.

To everyone, but especially to those who call themselves followers of Christ, I want to say this: We can accept service just as Jesus did. Actually, I would even go so far as to say that when we are struggling or in a time of need, it is our duty to call on those we trust.

Let me explain why:

Asking for support is a blessing to those we call on. By doing so, we are allowing them to fulfill their roles as servants, and by no means are we burdening them but instead building trust and a stronger bond between us. Some of you may think, ‘I hate to inconvenience someone.’ Tell me this: Have you ever been annoyed when a loved one asked something important of you? Was there ever a thought of ‘I wish they hadn’t asked me?’ For me, the answer is undoubtedly no.

When we are faced with temptations and struggles, when we wrestle with darkness, it is unwise to challenge fate and believe we are strong enough. It is wise to lean on those we trust.

By humbling myself and accepting help, I am valuing my convictions.

By accepting help, I am being honest with myself.

By accepting help, I am glorifying God.

If I do not do this and rely purely on my own strength, I may fall short of my convictions, I may betray myself, and I may stray from God.

Do you remember the ‘Servant’ contemplation from a few weeks back? I introduced you to that pastor in Alaska who spent his afternoon pulling weeds in an older woman’s garden. He was doing his part by helping her, and she was doing her part by putting her pride aside and graciously accepting his help. By no means was she a burden to the pastor. In fact, fruitful conversations came up during those hours of labor.

But what if the woman had refused his service despite being unable to accomplish the task on her own? The weeds would have grown and gone to seed. The Alaskan wind would have spread the pollen to her neighbor's gardens, infesting their grass as well. Her refusal to accept help would have harmed her community.

Gentlemen,

Today’s contemplation is this:

I can lean on those I trust.

I must call on my brothers and sisters in Christ to support me through my struggles.

And finally, I may accept service from God.

His greatest act of service was the sacrifice of His son, and I can accept it.

I cannot earn it; I do not deserve it; But I can accept it freely.