Maranatha has been part of the Rite Journey program since 2020 (theritejourney.com). For us it helps mark the transition from childhood to adulthood at the end of our Middle School (Year 7 to 9). Recently, I attended the final ceremony (The Homecoming) in which our Year 9 boys stood in front of their families and peers. Each student individually announced the seven virtues they hoped to live out as a man. Another ceremony was held at the same time for our Year 9 girls.
There has been lots of argument in recent years about what it means to be a man or a woman. It was even a discussion point in the recent presidential election in America. I believe we can find the answers in the best-selling book of this year and every year. The Bible helps us to understand God’s design for both male and female.
To me being a man has nothing to do with the way you look, dress, talk and walk. Too often our boys feel they must conform and perform to a particular stereotype. It is not about your physical development or strength compared to others. Being a man is also not about your abilities or areas of interest. It is shame when boys don’t engage in certain passions because they wrongly seen as being for girls. There are also expectations around emotions which are unhelpful. Being a man has nothing to do with your ability to cry or not cry.
For me, a man is someone who works hard and takes responsibility. He looks to serve, respect and protect others. More than anything else a man leans on God to meet his ultimate needs and give direction on life’s journey. There would appear to be a lack of men that fit this definition both in and out of the church. In fact, you could say there is currently a chronic shortage of men and a man child pandemic. We don’t need men who are self-absorbed, lazy, dodge responsibility and look to be indulged by others.
We see no better example of a man than Jesus. He lived and preached a life of service to others. Jesus reached out to those on the outer of polite society. He wasn’t constrained by social expectations of the time. Despite a hectic public ministry Jesus found time to withdraw and pray. He poured his life out for others and started a revolution that changed the world. At the end Jesus takes responsibility for all our sins on the cross.
My encouragement to parents is to allow your children to take on greater responsibility as each year passes. Don’t be afraid when the inevitable challenges arise because they are an opportunity to grow. When it comes to obstacles resist the temptation to remove them but be their guide as they overcome each one. My plea to our Year 9 boys at the end of the Rite Journey program was to follow Him and be a man. The world already has enough adult boys.
We see no better example of a man than Jesus. He lived and preached a life of service to others. Jesus reached out to those on the outer of polite society. He wasn’t constrained by social expectations of the time. Despite a hectic public ministry Jesus found time to withdraw and pray. He poured his life out for others and started a revolution that changed the world. At the end Jesus takes responsibility for all our sins on the cross.
My encouragement to parents is to allow your children to take on greater responsibility as each year passes. Don’t be afraid when the inevitable challenges arise because they are an opportunity to grow. When it comes to obstacles resist the temptation to remove them but be their guide as they overcome each one. My plea to our Year 9 boys at the end of the Rite Journey program was to follow Him and be a man. The world already has enough adult boys.
Bill Jackson
Principal