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Preface

We live in a world that has been tainted by the sin of our first parents. The world groans as it awaits its redemption and restoration in Christ (cf. Rom 8:22–24). As Christian men, we have a duty to witness to the joy that is ours through Christ by our purposeful, powerful, and pure living. Because Jesus has overcome the world (cf. Jn 16:33), we have been given the grace that will allow us to face the trials and tribulations of life in his strength.

We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (cf. Phil 2:12), striving to live lives that transform the world around us. Such godly living begins in our homes. For those of us called to marriage, it begins especially with our wives. We are to live in mutual submission with our spouses, being sacrificial in our love, working always not to dominate our wives but to deliver them spotless to Christ. We are to forsake all others as we cling to them. We are to carry this intentionality into a life of purity, shining the light of God on our secret sins and being men who transform rather than conform.

With our Catholic faith as our foundation, we have a solid and permanent store of treasure to invest in the future of our children. We can pass on solid Church teaching to help guide their lives, and a godly example of how being a follower of Christ transforms us into men and women after God’s own heart. This should take place at every moment, whether we are sharing the gospel message from God’s Word and Catholic doctrine or imparting life lessons and leading our children into maturity. As we witness to the work God has done in our lives, we provide the grounding for our sons and daughters to grow into true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Finally, men who are called to the single life, like Saint Paul, can make life choices that reflect what this call lived well brings to the life of the Church. The challenges and the joys of dedicating one’s life to the priesthood or religious life, missionary work, or a lay ministry allow men to serve sacrificially and stand as beacons of light in a broken world. The example of being a chaste, wholehearted, and sold-out servant of the Lord builds up the Body of Christ.

We have been set free in Christ — free from the past and the power of sin, and free to live as weapons of righteousness in a fallen world. Through our example, our prayers, and our service, we strive to be good husbands, fathers, and brothers within our family of faith.

The world is temporary and takes what it wants from us. God is eternal and gives us all he has. His constant care and overflowing living water sustain us. His Spirit revives the dry and dead bones of lifeless humanity, bringing life to the lost. We are empowered to stand as witnesses of God’s love as we live in fellowship with our brothers — holding them accountable, offering our support, and staying strong in the storms of life while walking with them on this journey of faith. As you move through this study, let the surrender and service of your life witness to the glory of God and the power and presence of Christ in the world.