08 Jan First Men’s Forum of the New Year: Let Go and Live

Jesse talked about the January Men’s Forum after the first Thursday of the month (and year!). We talked about our theme this year, “Do not let the left hand know what the right is doing” (which Jesus urged in Matthew 6:3). Most of the guys who had attended church could not remember what it meant!

The guys shared what they want for themselves this year. Some wanted to start dating, some wanted to get outside more, and some wanted to get over their anger. Some complained that they lacked a “balanced life,” and we talked about whether we had a “balanced life,” and what that meant.

New guys joined the meeting, and they shared tough and interesting experiences they’ve gone through, and things going on in their lives.

Jesse explained how to overcome temptation and anger. He urged not to engage with thoughts or images, but watch yourself, stay aware, and do not judge the situation as good or bad. When you judge something as right or wrong, you are playing god, not seeing reality from God.

Jesse said that life and salvation are about a return to the father. Jesus Christ put everything back in order after Adam was separated from the father, having listened to the woman who listened to the serpent.

Now life is simple. Just let go of what you think you know and want, and live. And stay in the present, in the here and now — this is where God is. Even thoughts about your wife or home when you are away from them are not real. The past is done, and the future does not exist, and both are useless ideas to worry about.

Many of the guys stuck around afterward to talk with one another.

Thank you to the guys who participate in these discussions at BOND.