I had the opportunity to read a book over the past week or so that I believe is an important type of book that more men need to be reading. More importantly than just reading the book, it encourages and trains men to look for counsel from other men in their lives to help them with their growth, wisdom, maturity and obedience in Christ. The title of the book is “Wise Guys: Unlocking the Hidden Wisdom From the Men Around You”.
Wise Guys Need More “MENtorship”
Over the past year or so I’ve had the blessing and opportunity to be a part of a men’s group and Bible study. This group is full of wise guys. It’s been great to be surrounded by a mix of men who are both older and a few who may be younger than me to gain insight and wisdom into life. What’s amazing to me is the amount of guidance that can be gained from listening to men share about their own lives and how it can almost immediately be applied to an area of my own life.
I think far too frequently as men, we believe there’s some kind of additional honor or reward achieved when we go it alone. We fortify ourselves around this perception of being the self-made man and independent above all other qualities. I believe there needs to be much more active engagement among men in the church. And not just in the church, but more active engagement between men in the church with men who probably aren’t in church. It’s a mentorship and training cycle that helps us all grow.
I know my wife has different friendships with women who are both older and younger than her. I know she has specific older women that mentor her in her life and I know that she has specific relationships with younger women than herself that she actively mentors and challenges. That’s a healthy living arrangement for us as Christians. We should always be open to being poured into by others and pouring ourselves out to others at the same time.
Getting Back to the Wise Guys Book
In his book, Kent Evans shares a collection of 16 stories of encounters and experiences with a variety of wise guys in his life. Some of them as Kent shares had no clue he was actively watching them and learning from them as they went about their lives. Others, were far more interactive with Kent and knowing participants in the process.
The key as Kent points out is to look for these men. Find the ones you admire and learn from them. Figure out what it is about them that draws you to them and pick up as much insight and knowledge from them as you can while you’ve got the opportunity to do so.
One item I like that Kent has include in the book is a collection of questions to help you work through and process what you’ve just read in his examples. I’ll be honest with you, frequently I will skip over these types of things in books like this. I don’t have time to be so inwardly focused, let’s get to the next chapter and get this book finished. I’ve got a long list of other things I need to get one today. How many of you guys can relate? However, as I’m challenging myself, I challenge you to take a moment an look at these questions. Oh, and if you’d really like to go crazy, what if you started journaling your thoughts and answers to these questions. I’ll bet we’ll both be amazed at how much more impact the book will have in our lives if we would engage with it at that level.
Be A Wise Guy, Get Your Copy Free!
So there you have it. A quick overview of the book and a challenge for you to make some changes and improvements in your life along with me. If you’re interested, I’m giving away a copy of the book. All you need to do is complete the little form below and collect your entries. In 7-days I’ll pick a winner and we’ll get the book out to you in the mail.
More About the Author Kent Evans
KENT EVANS is the board chairman and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps fathers and mentors build the next generation of godly men. Kent has personally experienced how the guidance of godly men can change the course of a life. Today he is blessed with a solid 20-year marriage, four wonderful sons and a fulfilling life – largely because of what he’s learned from other men. You can follow and connect with Kent Evans and his ministry efforts at the following links:
- Official “Manhood Journey” Website
- Amazon Page for the book
- Follow Kent on Twitter @manhoodjourney
