Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow, is a recent book that explains why there is a gender gap in the church, and why men do not like to go to church. Briefly put, Mr. Murrow thinks that the reason men hate going to church is because of two things – men follow the “god” of masculinity, and the church is too safe and secure for men’s liking. Men like challenges, taking risks, and conquering against long odds.

In another book, Wild at Heart, John Eldredge makes the point that men were created by God to be a protector of women, to take risks, challenge themselves, and conquer the foes that come to a family. Men love to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, and take chances that women will never understand. Eldredge makes the point that America has tried to take this from men, with the final result being that many men have lost their manhood, and are beaten and cowardly to the point that they will not take or make a stand when necessary.

As you watch America’s Funniest Home Videos, you will see that it is the boys and men taking chances that women will never take. Often women will ask, “Why do you men do that to yourselves?”

In comparing these books by the Bible (which always must be the standard) we find that there is truth to these claims. As one looks at faith’s hall of fame in Hebrews 11, we find those men of faith are those who are willing to take risks, seek adventure and do what God says simply because God says it.

Look at Noah. In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, he is the only one to stand out and do what God says. I have often wondered how Noah could have built that ark, over 120 years, and withstood the pressure that society had to bring to bear upon him. His faith caused him to believe God, and, more importantly, take a stand again the whole world! As he built that ark, he was preaching daily that a flood was coming (this is one reason why Peter calls him a preacher of righteousness, along with the fact that he obviously preached righteousness – 2 Peter 2:5). We remember Noah, not the multiplied millions that perished in the flood. His faith caused him to take the risks, to withstand the pressure, and to challenge himself to faithfulness.

Consider Abraham. God tells Abraham in Genesis 12:1, "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you” (NKJV). I have often made the point that Abraham came home after that, told Sarai to pack up, because they were leaving. Sarai ask, “Where are we going?” Abraham says, “I don’t know – but we are going.” How many women would allow that? How many would argue that what they needed to do was settle down in one spot, where they could raise a family? God allowed Abraham to be a sojourner all of his earthly existence.

Then, in Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. Abraham did not wait, did not falter, but got up the next morning and went. He had Isaac on the altar, and the knife raised, before an angel of the Lord stopped him. Was that taking a risk? Was that a challenge to Abraham AND ISAAC? Did Isaac learn what being a man involved in that act of faith? Did he question Abraham's love for him, or did he learn that faith demands risks?

We will look at this some more next week, but consider the fact now that God wants men to challenge themselves – to take risks – to follow Him. We are the leaders of our families! Where will we lead them? Will we take the challenges of faith?