Gleanings from the Pastor's Perspective: "Be a Man"

The Pastor’s Perspective
“Be a Man”
First Published: February 1, 2001

Jim Baird’s messages were outstanding at last Friday evening’s Mid-South Men’s Rally, and it was so good to have him back to preach in the pulpit of First Presbyterian on Sunday morning. Do take time to listen to the radio interview I did with him for “First Things.” It is slated to air this Sunday morning at 9:00 on WJNT 1180 AM.

Jim’s first sermon on Friday night nailed me right between the eyes in two areas: my responsibility to be a “deliverer” for my wife and children (check out the tapes to see what he means by that, they’re available from the church library) and concern for the youth of the church. I’m so thankful for his faithful preaching.

In connection with the theme of husbands taking spiritual leadership in their homes, Reid Cotten recently shared a John Piper quote with me that his brother-in-law, Rob Pendley, passed along. It is serching and I share it with you here: “I address the men directly for a moment: Do not let the rhetoric of unbiblical feminism cow you into thinking that Christlike leadership from husbands is bad. It is what our homes need more than anything. For all your meekness and all your servanthood and all your submission to your wife's deep desires and needs, you are still the head, the leader.

“What I mean is this: You should feel the greater responsibility to take the lead in the things of the Spirit; you should lead the family in a life of prayer, in the study of God's Word, and in worship; you should lead out in giving the family a vision of its meaning and mission; you should take the lead in shaping the moral fabric of the home and in governing its happy peace.

“I have never met a woman who chafes under such Christlike leadership. But I know of too many wives who are unhappy because their husbands have abdicated their God-ordained leadership and have no moral vision, no spiritual conception of what a family is for, and therefore no desire to lead anyone anywhere.

“A famous cigarette billboard pictures a curly-headed, bronze-faced, muscular macho with a cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. The sign says, "Where a man belongs." That is a lie. Where a man belongs is at the bedside of his children, leading in devotion and prayer. Where a man belongs is leading his family to the house of God. Where a man belongs is up early and alone with God seeking vision and direction for the family.”

Men, this is the vision for godly manhood that Jim Baird shared with us at the Men’s Rally. Let’s pray for God’s grace to realize it.

Let me remind you all again to continue in prayer for and make plans to attend all the various events of our annual Missions Conference. The conference runs Sunday to Sunday, from February 11-18 and Dr. Jim Bland, the PCA’s Mission to North America Coordinator, will preach for us on Wednesday and Sunday.

Some of you will have met our friends from the Highland Theological College (HTC) in Scotland while they were here worshiping with us over the last few weeks (whilst taking doctoral courses at RTS). You can get the latest news on the development of HTC by reading the January 2001 newsletter on the HTC web site: www.htc-scotland.com.

Finally, remember that the Furman Singers will be here on Tuesday night, February 27th (just a little over three weeks away). I’m a Furman grad and sang in the Singers, so the Session was gracious and extended an invitation to them! If you are a music lover, you will thoroughly enjoy their delightful presentation of sacred and secular music. The concert will begin at 7pm. Invite your friends, bring your spouse for a “date,” hey, even bring the kids. A good time will be had by all. I have put more information about them and the concert on the website. Take a look at www.fpcjackson.org and look at recent updates.

Your friend,


Ligon Duncan