I began reflecting on the importance of godly men several years ago in preparing a talk for the men of our church. I was struck by the number of men who shared their struggle with having no male figure, specifically a father, in their life from which to model godliness. The testimonies of these men often sounded like driving blindfolded with a stuck accelerator in rush hour traffic. The reality is that masculinity is being redefined right in front of us; greater sexual confusion continues and boys are aging without maturing into men. We are in desperate need of men who focus on their character, work hard to hone their craft, and sharpen their skills to create greater craftsmanship and culture. We are in even more desperate need for men to rise up and do this unto the glory of God and leave a Christian heritage for the generations after them.
Donald Alonzo Mason — Papa — is my grandfather. He was larger than life in our family, like the picture above with his youngest son shows. Papa’s life was a demonstration of what I would call his life theme, “Work hard. Play hard.” When I think of all I learned from him, that just about covers it. I want to share some lessons about being a godly man from Papa that I think can be of help and encouragement for you.
Work Hard
First, a man must learn to “work hard.” Men were created to work hard. Papa was an independent oil producer in the oilfields of South Arkansas. This was the garden where he cultivated his life, forged his reputation, blessed his family, gave generously to his church, and led men to Christ. I was even told once that he confronted a man who was threatening his family. Working for his father in a grocery store when the South Arkansas oil boom began, he invested in an oil well and the rest is history. He went to work at 4:30 a.m. every morning, seven days a week. When he came in to breakfast or arrived at church with his family he had already worked a half-day. He was a faithful church member, church treasurer for over 40 years, and deacon for more than 60 years. He worked in the oil fields until his mid-70s. His hands were huge, rough, and strong. He was even missing part of an index finger that large machinery claimed in an accident. A man who works hard will bear the marks of his craft and the scars of his labor.
Work is an expression of worship for a man, his first and highest. A man’s work provides for everything he needs and everyone he is responsible for in life. A man shouldn’t put his identity in his work, but the character and nature of a man will be demonstrated through his work. Many guys kill themselves being busy but never find satisfaction nor cultivate a life. This is because busy is not the same as “work hard.” We are commanded to cultivate through hard work. Cultivate is distinguished by fruit that provides and brings pleasure to the one who produced it, to those who are provided for with it, and those who are blessed by it. We are promised that our toil will be frustrating and unproductive because of pride and rebellion. We are never told to stop. Godly men refuse to get lost in whining. They humble themselves and go back to work, all to the glory of God.
We are in the midst of a generation that worships recreation, thinks entertainment is worship, and works for nothing more than self. It is rare to find someone with an ethic and willingness to work for the satisfaction that a job well done provides. The expectation of far too many young men is to get a piece of candy for being able to zip their fly. Boys need the weight of hard work to mature into men. We’ve lost a strong ethic, beautiful craftsmanship, and good culture because work doesn’t satisfy the expectation of boys. Work has been reduced to just another form of self-glory, instead of working unto the glory of God. How can a man work hard and bear fruit that has eternal impact? When we live in the commands and rhythms for which God made us, we glorify him. “Work hard” is high worship for a man.
Play Hard
Second, a man must learn how to “play hard.” The biggest family gatherings were always at his house. He planned, hosted, served, and enjoyed them most. He fed the family and many friends at least once a month at his famous fish fry gatherings. Twenty-five plus people were regularly in attendance at “Papa’s building,” which he built to host these gatherings and have a place to shoot pool. No one told stories better than Papa or found more joy in it. No one laughed louder than Papa. I can still hear him call my name to begin a story, and then laugh when he finished it. I’ll never forget that voice.
“Play hard” is high worship because resting and enjoying is as much an expression of worship as work. Men demonstrate trust in God most completely when they rest and enjoy. While a man will provide for his family by his work, he will best invest in his family by the way he plays with them. Today men have stopped worshipping through “play hard” and just started worshipping their “play time” that is driven by self-indulgence. It is most often called “me time.” The legacy of godliness cannot be passed on to those who do not know you. “Play hard” is how godly men glorify God and love their family.
Finish Strong
Finally, when a man learns to “work hard, play hard,” he finishes stronger than he starts. My wife and I share our wedding anniversary with my grandparents. The day we were married they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. When Papa went to be with Jesus in the summer of 2011, he had recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. The night he passed away, my brother was in the hospital room with he and my grandmother. It was the last time they would be together in this world. My brother captured a picture of my grandmother kissing him goodnight for the last time. He finished marriage well, to his last breath. He finished life stronger than he started. He left the world a better place than when he arrived. Godly men multiply God’s glory through their life, to the very last breath.
Other Posts in the Godly Fathers Series