The Blacksmith’s Discipline: Honing Godly MenSample

Forging a Godly Man

Every man must be forged, but only the Master Blacksmith can forge him. Jesus fashions, forms, folds, and forges all the raw elements, shaping a raw man into something useful and purposeful.

But it can be an unpleasant and fiery process. A man of God must be heated in the fires of faith. In the fire, he is heated, purified, and softened. Then with each strike of the Blacksmith’s hammer, his spiritual faculties are formed, shaping his discernment and fortifying his resolve to prepare him for the trials of life.

Submission is required to reveal a man’s calling. He must subject himself to the vision, tools, and discomfort of the Blacksmith’s discipline. The byproducts are heightened spiritual awareness, sharpened character, and ever-increasing glory to God displayed through his ministry. In a world fraught with careless, conflicted, and confused men, a disciplined and godly man is a forged work of courage and clarity. His life is a testament to Jesus, the Master Blacksmith.

In this five-day reading plan, we will explore five essential spiritual disciplines: prayer, Scripture, brotherhood, accountability, and ministry. They’re simple and straightforward, and they get the job done. Any man can become proficient at using them. Just as the blacksmith requires a simple selection of tools—hammer, tongs, chisel, files, and brushes—we will focus on five effective tools for men that we can grasp and use with great efficiency.

The disciplines are not optional; they are essential. They mold and shape us as men. They must be both forged in us and wielded by us, as they aid in the process of becoming the men God designed us to be. These timeless tools have been handed down for generations and were the same tools Jesus used with his men. Followers have since passed these down from one man to another. They are beneficial regardless of our physical age or spiritual stage and useful for both the novice in faith and the mature. These disciplines are relevant today just as they were to men two thousand years ago.

Remember that the five disciplines are merely tools. They fire spiritual growth, but they do not forge our salvation. As we swing the hammer of each discipline, we must remember that it was Jesus who forged our salvation. Jesus is the one who rescues us from sin, which separates us from God. Our salvation is secured and complete through his life, death, and resurrection. The tools we will wield are only a means of connection and growth that result from his work.

Forging these five disciplines into the essential elements of our lives will strengthen our resolve and refine our mettle, but this requires our active engagement. As we embrace these simple, self-imposed disciplines, we are refined. They are tools for forging a dynamic relationship with God.

For Reflection: What is the significance of spiritual disciplines as tools for shaping men into the image that God designed them to be?

Prayer Starter: Jesus, Master Blacksmith, I submit to the vision, tools, and discomfort of your discipline. I want to have a dynamic relationship with you. Forge your good work in my life…