(Photo courtesy of Lisset Esqueda)

Our Note to Guys: Fighting the Good Fight

By Sarah and Selma Komisky

QUESTION: What is Worth Fighting For?

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

– Micah 6:8 (ESV)

This is our prayer for you.

SURVEY ANSWERS:

“I would encourage a guy to fight for his ability to think independently from his friends. This is something I’ve heard some guys say they have a difficult time with – going along with the crowd. I think it’s natural to want to side with what our friends say or do because we don’t want to a stand out like a sore thumb, if you will, or be that person who doesn’t conform. But I feel when you stand for what you believe and know is right, it makes a bigger statement, allows you to be who you truly are, and can be very encouraging to others who maybe have a hard time being themselves around others as well.”

“Hmm, let’s see. I would encourage a guy to fight for peace in his community. To fight to see that those who are marginalized (whether it’s the young, the old, the weird, the poor, the new person) are included, welcomed, and heard. To fight against the desire to just coast in life, and instead to reach out across differences to impact someone else.”

“I would encourage guys to fight for purity of heart towards God. Not just purity from sexual immorality, but from anything keeping them from completely focusing on God alone.”

“I can say I literally picked my husband based mainly on his capacity as a spiritual warrior. Jesus said He came to destroy the works of the devil and to bring life abundant. That’s pretty much our marriage mission statement. Guys, please fight the good fight of faith. Learn to live out the second half of Ephesians 6 daily. Be of “truthful speech, and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and on the left (2 Cor. 6:7). In my opinion, that encompasses everything.”

“Guys could fight for what they believe in. Christianity and what they think is right for him or for someone else.”

“I would encourage guys to fight for their calling, or I guess a better to say it is fight to become the men God’s called them to be. I know plenty of guys who are involved in church, go to men’s Bible studies, pray and read their Bible constantly but they’re still not sure ________ still hasn’t happened yet. Whether it’s getting married, finishing school, or finally getting their career started. I would encourage them to keep fighting to be the man God wants them to be. Don’t get discouraged because you’re not doing what you feel you should be at this age or that you haven’t done what you wanted in life by now. Instead, let that encourage you to pray harder, read more, and completely trust that God’s working on you and he’s got a different timeline for your life than you do.”

“I would encourage a guy to fight for purity in all aspects of his life, standing apart from the worldly expectations and seeking to be more like Jesus.”

“The defense/rescue of a woman or girl. Actually, any other person who is being sexually or otherwise assaulted.”

“I would say to fight for the women in his life. His mom. Sister. Grandma. Friends. Girlfriend, or spouse. Jesus laid down his life for others and calls men to do the same. When a guy is willing to stand up for women, it’s a game changer. He sets the bar for other guys and reminds the world of how things should be. Women flourish under this example and are free to be their true selves. When men aren’t intimidated by a women, but recognize her potential, honor her, and advocate for her, it’s a beautiful thing. Men fulfill their unique role to defend, protect, and cherish a woman when they stand up for females. Seeing a man who does this is truly inspiring, an example of Christ, and is truly a worthy cause to fight for.”

“I’d encourage him to fight for his relationship with Christ.”