What comes to mind when you think of Jesus?

What words come to mind when you think of Jesus? What picture comes to mind? I would argue that the standard terms used to describe Jesus and the images that generally come to mind are “safe.” They fit a nice guy image that many masculine men have a hard time relating to. Often the descriptions of Jesus are designed to meet the narrative of our day. They are careful not to make him sound too masculine, which I think is unfortunate. This incomplete picture reduces the appeal and forms an image that is not the type of man most men would follow as their leader.

I think the narrative of the day concerning Jesus leaves many men wondering whether Christianity is right for them. They ask themselves, How does a rugged man’s man fit in Christianity? Other men end up calling themselves a Christian but do not fully embrace the faith and feel like they can never really be themselves. Some embrace the faith and work really hard to fit into a mold that is far less masculine than the man they truly are.

I am writing to share what I have discovered about Jesus that just might change your thinking when it comes to who he is. These are just a few things that have helped me relate to Jesus as a masculine man (there are many more than what I have written in this article). Some of them do not always fit the description we hear today but they are clearly written in the bible. Maybe reading them will renew interest or challenge you to take another look at Jesus and consider following him.

My Kind of Men

I have worked in the steel industry for almost 32 years. Leading in this industry is my calling. I have held several leadership positions and have had the privilege of working alongside many men over the years. Some of these men have been strong, tough, in your face, hard-charging and rugged. Many of these men tend to have a little edge to them. They aren’t safe men that always stay between the culture’s predetermined, acceptable lines. They push the limits and they enjoy doing so. These men are the type of men I like. They are tough-minded, a little on the wild side, and they are not wimps. They are men that sweat for a living. They don’t mind getting dirty. They work hard and they play hard. I relate to them. I am one of them. I have led them. They are my breed. I respect them.

Many Men Cannot Relate to the Jesus often portrayed today

So, when these men have a hard time relating to the Jesus I follow because they may not really know him completely, I take an interest. This inspires me to share the rugged, man’s man side of Jesus that we do not hear about often enough. You see, I know there are aspects of Jesus that many men CAN relate to. If we carefully read the bible for ourselves, we will see sides of Jesus that generally do not come to mind when most think of him. The typical list reads something like this: Jesus is loving, forgiving, humble, compassionate, gentle, self-controlled, patient, obedient, and honest. All of this is true. But this is only one side of who Jesus was. There was more. This same Jesus was also confrontational, bold, fearless, authentic, offensive, challenging, aggressive, passionate, and violent (meaning: using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something). There are things about Jesus that make him more relatable to men like me. He was a lot more gritty and aggressive than what is usually portrayed. I like knowing Jesus had that side to his personality.

The Other Side of Jesus

So, on the one hand, Jesus could show compassion for people that are down and out and in need. But on the other hand, he could demonstrate violent, passionate, zeal against those that should know better but instead chose to lead people down the wrong path. Jesus was more complex than we generally recognize. In many ways, he was a rugged man’s man. Here a few observations I have made.

Jesus Worked Hard, Got Dirty, and Sweated

First, Jesus was a man that knew how to work with his hands. He grew up as a tradesman. He was a carpenter, having worked side by side with his father, Joseph. Carpenters did various work, including roofing, making doors, lintels, shelves, tables, and cabinets. They also produced ladders, wheels, yokes for animals, and farm implements. Though some wood may have been available from suppliers, most carpenters went to the forests themselves to choose and cut down the trees that best suited the work they were doing. It was a job that was physical and required a high level of skill. So Jesus knows what it means to put in a hard day’s work. He has had dirt under his fingernails. He knows what it’s like to sweat. I like that about Jesus.

Jesus Was An Outdoorsman

Second, Jesus was an outdoorsman. He was mentally and physically tough, which is what it takes to survive in the wild. Jesus spent 40 days in the Judean wilderness. While there, it is noted that he was among the “wild animals.” The word used to describe wild animals meant they were animals that are typically dangerous to people. A quick study of the animals of the day in that part of the world includes the following; bears, leopards, wolves, cobras and desert vipers, scorpions, hyenas, jackals, desert foxes, and wild boars. Now think about it. Amid these animals, Jesus survived 40 days. I have spent a lot of time in the wild. If you have ever spent time out in the wild, you know it is not easy to do. Only tough-minded men can live in the wild, even with the equipment of today. A man that spends 40 days alone in the wild with this list of animals would be considered a rugged, man’s man in my book. This alone would be a right of passage into becoming a man of men.

It is interesting that even after this time of 40 days in the wilderness and throughout his three and a half years of public ministry, Jesus did not have a home. He told others who wanted to follow him that “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” Several times, he spent entire nights on the mountain tops praying. This was a common thing for Jesus. I don’t care what anyone says, Jesus was a strong masculine man. I would have loved to have been there and toughed it out with him. I think about how spending time battling the elements with his team helped build an incredible bond between these men.

Jesus Was Not a Safe Man

Third, Jesus was not a safe man that stayed between society’s acceptable lines. He made people nervous and, at times, put people on edge. Those closest to him thought Jesus was pushing the limits just a little too much. They wanted him to tone it down, yet he was bold and got up in the face of some influential people. He confronted leaders that were misleading and abusing people with their power. He stood toe to toe with the most powerful men of his day. He told them they were wrong in what they were doing and how they were misleading the people. He did it in front of others and in ways that offended them. But Jesus didn’t back down or back off. He pushed on and did not pull punches. I love his boldness. He was the man who took a stand when others took a back seat. I admire that in a man.

Jesus Was Comfortable Around Those That Were Rough Around the Edges

Fourth, Jesus was a man of the people, a protector, and a provider to those less fortunate and in need. He was born and raised in humble circumstances and remained in touch with people from all walks of life. While the leaders of his day avoided the outcasts of society and made it clear that they thought he should avoid them also, Jesus ate and drank with them. They were comfortable with him, and they came to him. They did not feel out of place around Jesus. There was something about him that made him approachable. Jesus knew that hanging out with the “tax collectors” and “sinners” would offend and cause issues with the leaders, but he did it anyway. He did it in plain sight of them. Jesus did not mind stirring things up that needed to be stirred up. It was important to him that those that were a little rough around the edges understood that he had time for them. He wanted the “outsiders,” those a little “rough around the edges” to know that in Jesus, there was a way to God.

Jesus was a Fearless Man

Fifth, Jesus was a fearless man. He was bold about going and doing the mission God the Father gave him to do. While his inner circle of men (disciples) wanted him to stay away from places where people threatened to kill him, Jesus said that’s precisely where we are going to go. He did not back down. He did not shut up. He kept pushing and driving his message. Even if Jesus was standing alone in the temple, flipping tables and driving money changers out with a whip, he stayed the course. Jesus was not a wimp. He challenged other men. Jesus called people out and confronted those that misled others. He was a protector and provider. Jesus was a sheepdog that fought the wolves. He was bold, fearless, and aggressive. Again, I admire these things about Jesus. As most men recognize, there are times in life when men need to stand up and state the truth no matter what the consequences. Jesus did this often. In fact, he kept doing it until finally, the leaders devised a plan and put him to death.

Jesus was a Courageous Man

Finally, Jesus was a courageous man. In his final days, while alone praying, Jesus saw the path ahead. He was to go to the cross and die the most painful and horrible death a man could die in those days. At the same time, Jesus was going to be separated and rejected by His Father to save many. The horror and pain he saw at that moment were so tremendous he was stressed to the point of pushing sweat like blood out of his forehead. He would take on the horror of the worst that sin could produce. I do not fully understand all that Jesus took on in his time on the cross. But he understood it completely. He even asked God the Father if there was another way to complete the task ahead. There was no other way. And so, in the face of it all, Jesus submitted. In great courage, he moved forward as men do when faced with unavoidable horrible situations. Men make the sacrifices needed for the safety and benefit of others. Sacrifice is what the rugged man’s man does. Sacrifice is what Jesus did. He provided so that men like us that are a little rough around the edges might have a way to find God and know His salvation. Jesus was a courageous man. In his words, “Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus considers rugged men part of his group of friends. You are part of that group.

Jesus: a Rugged Man’s Man

In summary, Jesus was not a wimp. Wimps and passive men do not start revolutions, and they do not get murdered for their beliefs. Jesus was a rugged man’s man. Hopefully, these few examples are enough for you to reconsider the man Jesus and his claims and promises. I can tell you I have followed him for many years and never regretted a single day. He has given me strength for today and hope for eternity. I never have to be concerned about my future because it is in his hands. Jesus has secured my place by his finished work and proved his power over sin by his resurrection. He has given and continues to provide far more than I will ever deserve.

I know where my strength comes from.

If you have comments, questions or feedback put them in the comments section below or send me an email. I am always interested in hearing from you.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

The Making of a Steeler Fan

I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s in Pennsylvania. During that time, the Pittsburgh Steelers had grown from perennial losers to the dynasty of the ’70s. They were a dominant force in the NFL from 1975 through 1979, winning four super bowls in six years. It was an incredible time to be a young football fan growing up in Pennsylvania.

Growing up in Pennsylvania during this time, you saw examples of grit around you regularly. The dominant industries were steel, coal, and railroad. They were tough industries full of tough men. The MO was fighting first, talk later. Drinking beer, hunting deer, and football were staples. The Pittsburgh Steelers fit the culture.

Lore has it that western Pennsylvania doctors stamp the backsides of newborns with the three hypocycloids (the steel symbol on the side of the Pittsburgh helmet). This action permanently imprints you a Pittsburgh Steeler fan for life. I was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, so this was certainly the case in that region of the state. If you were not a Steeler fan and living on the western side of the state, you had screws loose. As far as we were concerned, there was only one choice for a football team and it was the Pittsburgh Steelers. We heard about another team on the eastern side of the state, but to us, there was only our beloved Steelers.

I can still remember most of the starting lineup, offense, and defense. There were some incredible players on that team, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Lynn Swan, John Stallworth, Mike Webster, John Kolb, Randy Grossman, Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, Dwight White, Jack Ham, Mel Blount, Mike Wagner, Donnie Shell, Andy Russell, …

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

But the player that stood out to me and was my favorite was Jack Lambert. At the time, Jack Lambert was one of the fiercest linebackers playing the game. (see the video links below) In most people’s minds, he was the leader of the Men of Steel. In the words of former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano, “Jack Lambert IS the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

Lambert was a tall, skinny guy weighing in at about 220 lbs. (this was likely generous in that during his rookie season, he weighed a mere 203 lbs.). But the thing that set Jack Lambert apart was his passion, drive, and intensity. No one could match the internal fire that burned in Jack Lambert. His goal was to dominate every game he played. The expectation was to win. The standard was excellence, and Jack Lambert expected this from himself and those around him. Teammates that missed assignments or did not play to the standard would get an earful from Lambert. He was the leader and one of the grittiest and toughest players in the league.

The fans loved Lambert. Pittsburgh always appreciated the tough guys that represented the blue-collar history of their town. Jack Lambert was one of the toughest, and he played the perfect tough guy position, middle linebacker. His approach to the game of football became my approach. In his words, “I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can’t take it, you shouldn’t play” I wanted to be just like Jack Lambert. Most young defensive football players in Pennsylvania wanted to be like Jack Lambert.

To get a sense of the man and his passion for the game, click on the links below:

Jack Lambert was unquestionably the best of his era. He played 11 years in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl 9 times. 4 times he was a Super Bowl champion. Three times he held the title of Defensive Player of the Year. And in 1990 he entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a winner and the best at what he did. By sheer determination and relentless grit, he rose to the top of his profession when many questioned his ability to play as a linebacker in the NFL.

Learning From the Best

In a lot of ways, Jack Lambert’s mentality in football resonated with me. He demonstrated a grit which led to his success on the football field. A lot of what he did on the field playing football could be brought into life. Success in any endeavor requires that same grit. Though most of us will not play professional football, we are striving to be successful in life. We have ambitions and goals. Some of the same lessons from Lambert’s career can apply to our approach and success in life.

Don’t Listen to the Naysayers!

Many felt Jack Lambert would not make it as a linebacker in the NFL. Art Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, read an old scouting report on Lambert. The report read, “Intense, great nose for the ball, but needs to add weight…” Lambert stood 6’ 4 ½” and according to the program weighed 220 lbs. Many would say this was generous. Lambert recalled his rookie year in 1974. “They put me on the scale, and when it stopped at 203, they almost died,” 203 is pretty much the bare minimum for a 6-foot-4 1/2-inch frame. Of course, this would be perfect for a volleyball or tennis player but a middle linebacker in the NFL? “I explained to them that I had been running a lot and was in the best shape of my life,” Lambert said. “I also told them to reserve judgment until we put on the pads.”

When the pads were put on, it became evident that he was not going to be stopped. The matter of whether or not he was going to be successful was settled in Jack Lambert’s mind. He knew who he was, and it didn’t matter what others said. Jack Lambert was going to succeed. He worked for this his entire life. He was ready, prepared, and confident.

What is your mindset? Do the naysayers easily sidetrack you? Think about what contributes to your mindset? What are the root causes of the lack of confidence that holds you back? What voices are you listening to? Are they supportive of the direction you need to go to succeed? Do you need to rid your life from some of the voices you listen to? It may be time to replace them with those that help and challenge you. Start making changes to replace the “I can’t” statements in your mind with the “I can” statements. The bottom line, “don’t listen to the naysayers!”

Intensely Focus on the Goal!

Jack Lambert’s lifelong ambition was to play professional football. In his words, he can’t remember having aspired to do anything else. The hall of fame coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chuck Noll said this about Jack Lambert. “When you start talking about attitude and focus, Jack is the epitome. He was the most focused individual I’ve ever had.”

Early in his career, he would routinely visit the Steelers training facility during his off hours to study film. It was not normal for a player to study film like this at the time. Jack Lambert was determined. He was going to master his profession. He studied, trained, and practiced for football. Football was his life. He put off marriage until after his playing days just so he could focus and be the best.

His work and sacrifice paid off. In the words of teammate and Hall of Fame outside linebacker Jack Ham, “[Jack Lambert] was the most complete middle linebacker ever to play.” “Of all the middle linebackers – Ray Nitschke, Willie Lanier, Dick Butkus – what set Jack apart was his ability to play the pass.” Also, another teammate and outside linebacker Andy Russell said, “Lambert may have had the image of a wild man. But he killed you with his precision.” This level of play didn’t just happen. Jack Lambert worked hard to level up his game and improve so he could maximize his performance and results.

Are you focused on your goals? Have you defined what you want to accomplish? Have you built a plan to get there? What work are you doing every day to sharpen your skills to achieve these goals? There is no better time than now to start putting in the extra work needed to excel. It is time to zero in on your goals and make it happen. It is time to get focused!

Bring the Passion!

Jack Lambert was an intense and passionate football player. I attended a football camp in Connecticut when I was about 12 years old. Many professional football players were there. Below is a picture of me to the right of Jack Ham (outside linebacker for the Steelers). Also in the picture is John Capaletti (running back for the Rams). Both were Penn State grads and John was the Heisman trophy winner in 1973.

I wasn’t able to get a picture with Jack Lambert but he was there and made an impression on me. The one thing I remember him saying was this. “If you can’t be passionate about playing football you should not play the game. The game is meant to be played with passion and intensity.”

Jack was passionate about the game. This is obvious if you’ve watched the videos in this post! You can hear his passion in this excerpt from his Hall of Fame speech in 1990. “If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler.” Joe Greene, another Hall of Fame player and teammate said this about Lambert and his passion for the game. “Jack didn’t need to psyche himself to play… He LIVED to play.” Jack Lambert was always ready and excited and brought a level of energy to his profession.

Are you passionate about what you do? If not, do you need to make a change? I believe all men are called to lead. Leadership does not happen without passion. We need to be passionate about the life we are living. If we are not we need to understand the root cause of this lack of passion and address it. It is time to take action. Passionate individuals draw people in and motivate and influence. Passion also fuels grit and makes you keep going when you face obstacles and roadblocks. What are you passionate about? Figure it out and do that thing well. Fuel that fire and be a leader to those around you.

Start Your Journey to be the Best

When I think about the things Jack Lambert did to be the best at his profession I realize that every man has the same opportunity to be the best in his chosen path. Each of us can eliminate the impact of the naysayers in our lives and surround ourselves with a team that will challenge and help us. We can define our goals and get focused on building a routine to sharpen the skills needed to be the best. We can make the changes needed so that we can be passionate about the things we are called to do in life. This passion will fuel the fire inside and drive the grit needed for the daily grind. You have what it takes to be the best. What are you going to do? Why wait? Start your journey to be the best today!

As always, post your feedback, comments, or questions. I welcome them and look forward to hearing from you. Or you can click the email on the main menu.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Most of my life has been relatively safe and fairly comfortable when compared to most of the world outside the United States. I mean, I have not been fighting for my life. Besides a few times on a backpacking trip, I have not wondered where the next meal is going to come from. I have not faced the level of hardships I see in many parts of the world. I think a vast majority of people growing up in the United States over the past several decades have had similar experiences. Of course, there are exceptions. One more obvious exception would be the brave men and women serving in combat zones in our great military. Another would be the men and women in blue keeping our streets safe. And there are many more but for most people in the United States our “hardships” would be classified as “first world problems”. We just do not face life threatening situations on a routine basis.

“Could there be a downside to living a life of ease and comfort?“

Of course, in almost all cases, I believe this is a good thing. The safety and security we experience is a testament to the strength of our country and the efforts of those that work tirelessly to protect it both here and abroad. But could there be a downside to living a life of ease and comfort? One downside in my mind is the way certain ideas arise in times of ease and comfort that would not happen in more difficult times. Those ideas can have a negative impact on our society. I believe there are philosophies that only take root in times of ease and comfort that would never survive in times of testing.

One such negative side effect is the growing sentiment against something that has played such a huge part in establishing and sustaining our families, our communities and our great country. I am talking about masculinity. I believe masculinity has taken an unfortunate blow over the past several years. My observation is that comfortable times have made it easy to downplay the value of masculine men. Because we are not faced with danger and life-threatening situations on a routine basis the need for masculine strength is not as apparent to many. It becomes much easier to dismiss masculine men when things are easy. I think many men have allowed comfortable times and societal pressures to lull them into complacent weakness. Men, if not careful, can fall into the trap of believing the narrative that expressing their natural masculinity is somehow wrong. At times, in some subtle ways, I have allowed this to happen in my own life.

“Many men are not prepared for hard times“

I believe God specifically equips men with characteristics that uniquely enable us to survive, protect and provide for others. These characteristics include things like strength, discipline, courage, passion, persistence, integrity, potential aggressiveness, potential destructiveness, potential brutality, assertiveness, competitiveness, creativity, ego, thirst for adventure, thirst for experience, boisterousness, and power. When we start to believe these things no longer hold a high position and great value in our society it becomes easier to lose the sense of our God given purpose. It doesn’t take long, and we are off the path that leads to greatness and drifting along the worn path that leads to “wherever”. When men are just drifting through life, I believe all of society suffers because we do not “drift” into greatness. We drift into comfort, laziness and complacency. When this happens families suffer, cities suffer, states suffer, and nations suffer.

There are segments of society where the masculine nature of man is considered something that should be repressed rather than strengthened. The idea of a man being aggressive and engaging in conflict to make needed change is considered a detriment rather than an asset. Imagine repressing this nature for many years and then one day facing a difficult situation that requires a fighter. What happens when those that have not utilized these God given characteristics for years must step up and engage in the battle? What happens when it comes time for warriors to step up and protect and provide but all we have are soft, mild natured, “nice guys”? Imagine this type of man exploring the untamed wilderness of our country, surviving the wild west, fighting the brutal wars of our history, etc.

Many in our society would like us to think the masculine nature of a man has passed its time. But I think times are changing. I think we face a future of uncertain, challenging times. The man that develops himself physically, mentally, and spiritually will be prepared to meet these challenges head on. This kind of man is of great value today and will be of great value in the days ahead. The challenges we face today reveal many men are not prepared for hard times. We have work to do.

“In the middle of chaos there will be some men that are “rocks”“

My observations are there are many men pushed around by the waves of life that constantly buffet against us. Waves of information, challenges, philosophies, that are designed to incite emotion are continuously bombarding us. These waves move the crowds around us into fear and/or outrage and simply control the masses. Unfortunately, many in the controlled masses are men. However, at the same time, I see an opportunity that presents itself to the few. In the middle of the chaos there will be some men that are “rocks”. The rocks are those who stand firm while the waves smash against them. The rocks are those that others can anchor to. The rocks are confident, courageous, and bold. The rocks are those others look to for stability in uncertain, unstable, hard times. This world needs more rocks.

Not too long ago I realized I became complacent. I was drifting into becoming part of the problem. Most probably did not notice. However, when I looked in the mirror, I was not happy with the man looking back at me. Physically, I was out of shape, mentally I was not growing and spiritually I was empty. Somewhere along the way I started down the path of becoming soft and I was not leading as well as I knew I could. It was time to get serious about being the man God created me to be. I think in some ways, at some level, I bought in to the ideas around me and lost my bearing. I lost the sense of purpose regarding what it means to be a man. I started morphing into something I was never meant to be. It was time to dig deep into the grit I know I possess. It was time to do the work of making change.

“What matters is what God thinks and what the man in the mirror thinks“

As I sat and assessed things, I realized that it really does not matter whether the world values or respects the strength of a man. What matters is what God thinks and what the man in the mirror thinks. It was time to do the work. This was the beginning of an awakening for me and a time to refocus. I began the journey to be a rock.

If you are a man reading this, you have been made to be a rock that is immovable not just another guy pushed around by the waves. But this journey requires grit and discipline. You can be a man that can be counted on in tough times if you want to be. That is what I am striving for in my life. That is what I need to be for my wife, son and those I am called to lead. That is what I ask God to give me strength to be. It is the target of my efforts every day. I desire to strengthen myself physically, mentally, and spiritually so I can honor God, be true to the man in the mirror and be a rock for those around me. What about you, my brothers? What do you want to be?

“A few ideas to get you started on your journey to becoming a rock“

If you read this, are inspired and serious about making changes in your life, here are a few ideas to get you started on your journey to becoming a rock.

#1 – LINK UP WITH LIKE-MINDED MEN – You will need a tribe, a team of men that are also serious about making changes. In the end, you need to make sure you have enough people in your life that you regularly engage with that encourage you in changing and will hold you accountable to do what you say. A first step could be signing up for my email group. I would appreciate the opportunity to interact with you and help you work through building your plan. What has worked for me is the Fraternity of Excellence. You can join FoE by clicking on the link on the sidebar of my blog. Another consideration is you may need to distance yourself from those holding you back. If there are people in your life that make it more difficult to make progress, you may need to consider separating yourself from them. Think about the voices you listen to. Do they encourage you to move forward or are they holding you back? Build a team that helps you create momentum and daily discipline in your life.

#2 – STOP THINKING AND START DOING – Identify one thing physically, one thing mentally and one thing spiritually that you will start to do daily. This does not have to be something major. Just do something. For example, do push-ups one day and sit-ups the next day and continue that and make it an everyday routine. Every week increase the number you do so you are getting a little better than the week before. Read a book that inspires you in an area that you want to improve. Set a goal to read x pages a week or x books in a month. Pray, meditate, or do something every day to strengthen your soul. Get alone, sit still, and think about the day ahead. If you pray, pray. Think through the things you believe and how they will apply to the day and prepare yourself to be the rock in the day ahead.

#3 – TELL SOMEONE WHAT YOU ARE DOING – In all these things tell someone who cares that you are doing them. Ask them to be a part of your journey and track your progress. Ask them to ask you about your progress on a regular basis. This is something that has helped me in my journey. When you just keep these things to yourself it becomes easier to back away from what you committed to. Your commitment level over time can wane away. You will always find reasons to not do hard things. But hard things are the way to improving. When you are trying to establish those hard things tell someone about it and ask them to remind you of what you committed to. Ask them to challenge you and ask why if they see you backing off.

Brothers, let’s build a team of men that have the grit required to do the work and become the rocks that our society desperately needs.

In your corner,