manhood

As a symbol of manhood, a knight’s chivalry points to one of the most pressing needs of young men in our generation: a well-defined set of ideals. Ideals set parameters; they shape a boy’s identity and motivate him to higher levels of excellence, just as they did for the medieval knight. For a son, these ideals become a moral and spiritual beacon.

TIME: truth, insights, mission, and encounter.

Young men need a liminal space where they are removed from the normal rhythm and routine of life and given time and opportunity to see what is inside them. They need space to encounter those who have grown up in completely different cultural contexts and bond with other men. In modern life, nothing does this quite as well as a gap year.

Consider that maybe the reason you are unhappy is because the world around you is so great, and you have no challenge to push against. Also consider what meaningful pain you would be willing to endure if it meant a life of fulfillment. Then, get to work in all ways of making yourself capable of bearing it.

Life is more than a job. Sons need to hear this from a dad. They need to see this in his life. Nothing satisfies the human heart as fully as service for the kingdom—in one’s area of giftedness.

Role #4: Warrior Men need a cause. A cause is bigger than a vision, more expansive than a strategy, and more long-lasting than a season. It’s larger than a fight.

Ceremonies are those special occasions that weave the fabric of human existence. Weddings. Award banquets. Graduations. The day you became an Eagle Scout or were accepted into a fraternity. We remember because of ceremony.