Becoming a Man: 11 Questions for Christian Men from Mark Batterson's 'Play the Man'

"I mean to make myself a man, and if I succeed in that, I shall succeed in everything else." - James A. Garfield

How do you become a man?

Over the weekend I read Play the Man by Mark Batterson. It's very easy to read and explores what a man of God looks like and provides guidance for fathers as they help their sons become men.

Batterson helpfully shares how he sought to lead his sons in a 'Year of Discipleship' with physical, spiritual and mental challenges. The year culminated in a rite of passage and as a father of two young sons, this book and these practices left me with a lot to think about.

Throughout the book Batterson raises some great questions for self-reflection. They make more sense in the context of the book, but are still helpful on their own:

1. Is my version of Christianity worth dying for?
2. What are my sin triggers?
3. Who am I willing to offend?
4. Who do I need to goad and who have I licensed to goad me?
5. How can I be more childlike?
6. How can I be less childish?
7. What will my kids remember from their childhood?
8. What boundaries do I need to put in place to protect myself, my marriage and my family?
9. What decisions against myself do I need to make?
10. What am I tolerating?
11. Who are my pacemakers and who am I pacing?

I also appreciated this reminder:

“You’ll never be a perfect parent but you can be a praying parent.” - Mark Batterson