The Forge
FORGE: to shape, make something; to invent; to come up with an idea; to move steadily ahead. A forge is a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering. Many of us are also familiar with the proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, just like one man sharpens another” (Prov 27:17).
How is it we men are to sharpen one another except by entering into a forge – there to be fired, shaped and molded into that which we desire? To be the men of iron God created us to be and to be a sharp “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:16)?
Brothers, tell me how this is possible unless we specifically submit ourselves to God and train for this? We all know the difficulty of solitary training and the fact that we train best in a group or team; a community of men seeking to be “sharp” for God, strong, men of integrity and men after God’s own heart! The Bible often describes the Jesus-life as running and finishing a great race (1 Cor 9:24, Gal 2:2, 2 Tim 4:7, and Heb 12:1). Many of us know that we cannot compete unless we train according to plan. And the greater the race, the more intensity and length of our training.
Some of us have been on the “One Year to Live” men’s retreat, others of us have had experience in “Promise Keepers” or in a strong men’s bible study group. We know we are best when we come together in community. By these experiences, many of us know now what is possible – we know our potential and we also know we are not there yet! And we won’t get there, we won’t grow unless we submit ourselves to be further formed, conformed, and eventually transformed into a greater likeness of Christ. And we also know how easy it is to quit!
Many of us are no longer satisfied in our Christ-walk to be simply admirers or believers in Jesus – we want to be his disciple. And we know deep in our “heart of hearts” that we cannot do it alone – we need God’s grace and blessing and we need to honesty of being in deep relationship with and accountable to other men.
We cannot do this with our wives or dearest friends. We cannot even do it in church on Sunday. It takes special training where “iron” sharpens “iron.” If we are truly serious about being a Jesus-disciple and standing up for God we will have to DO something about it and stick to it. To do this, we are going to have to go to a forge.
A forge is where iron is made and formed – it’s noisy, hot and sweaty; but things get done there. It is where a sharpened edge is put on an iron sword. The forge is where men help other men imitate Jesus and closely follow him. It is a place where strong discipleship is formed, sharpened, and practiced.
I think men should have a place called The Forge. They should meet there weekly. But I understand that each one of us have work and family commitments. So I am suggesting that we begin with a monthly get-together at The Forge; a place where we can have a fellowship meal together, share our struggles, support and give healing to one another; a place where transformation is not only encouraged, but expected.
I am looking for a “few Godly men” who will sign on to get together once a month for “forging and sharpening;” a place and time where we can improve our lives as fathers, husbands, workers, neighbors, and friends. When we improve one sector of our lives, the others have a better chance of improving as well. Remember, the things we do today to become more Christ-like can make an eternal difference in us, our families and our relationships!
Men, are you in? Will you consider being part of The Forge?
It will soon be three months after Matt's death. In October we gathered the family together for a blessed memorial service on a hill near our home in Blue Mounds. We called it "Restoration Point;" a geographical place and a spiritual beginning for our family.
