Self-Discovery Choices-Part 2

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MW Editor’s note: This is a two-part article on a very important aspect of a guy’s manhood journey; Self-discovery choices can ruin a man or make him great. Check out part one and be sure to do the inventory at the end of the article.

Last time we looked at irreversible self-discovery choices and how they fit into following Christ, (or not). In this post, we will look at reversible self-discovery choices. Reversible means you can back out of that choice with few consequences. 

With your eyes on what God values, like compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and bearing with one another, what choices can you explore and experience that keep Christ at the forefront of your life?

I found some timelapse videos on YouTube of guys who filmed themselves daily for years, documenting how they changed with age. You can see their faces mature, less boy, more man. You also see them grow out their hair, sport a beard and mustache, or otherwise experiment with their looks. (At the end of this post, watch the two timelapse videos of guys growing up. It’s quite fascinating!)

1 Corinthians 13:11 says  “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Becoming a man means putting off self-consuming, irreversible choices and making choices that increasingly align with God’s heart.

Here’s a short inventory of things that could be considered reversible self-discovery choices:

Appearance:

Growing out your hair

Grow a beard and mustache

Try a different clothing style

Wear rings

Wear chains

Get your ears pierced

Experiences:

Working out

Lifting weights

Try an activity you haven’t done before

Go on a road trip

Grab some buddies and go camping

Expand your epicurean palate

Explore:

Deepen your theology of God

Expand your social finesse

Learn how to start a conversation

How to truly listen to someone

How to pray

How to go deeper into a relationship

Understand how your faith impacts your political views

The point being is there are things you can explore and experiment with that are reversible and have the freedom in Christ at the same time.

You will know your self-discovery choices are good if you find your relationship with Jesus strengthened and not hindered.

In Part One of this series we focused on irreversible self-discovery choices.  They can haunt a guy.  And, yes, like the college classmate who got a girl pregnant, he is forever affected by his testosterone-filled choice. 

If you made a list of irreversible self-discovery choices, pull it out and read off everyone. Be reminded that regardless of your regrettable choices, God, in Christ, can forgive you to the uttermost.  There is no sin that the cross cannot cover.  In Psalm 139 there is a wonderful statement.  God goes behind you.  Meaning, that He may not remove the consequences of your choices, but He is the one most qualified to restore you, writing a story in you that is far greater than you could ever write yourself.

At the end of this post, watch the two timelapse videos of guys growing up and think of ways you can enjoy reversible self-discovery. 

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Warrior On!

Christian takes a photo of himself every day for 3 years

Daily Photo Project – Time Lapse – 10 years