Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” (Acts 3:6 Message).
People may want certain things from us money, performance, results that we may not be able to give them, or may not want to give to them. The crippled man in this story apparently viewed Peter and John as typical passersby like any others: wealthier and healthier than he was; hopefully compassionate, or at least easy marks; people who could get him what he wanted for one more day.
When the man asked for money, Peter’s reply must have initially sounded disappointing: “I don’t have any.”
Oh.
But Peter continued: “What I do have is actually of much deeper value than what you are asking for. I’ll give you something beyond your request.”
Have you ever been asked for something as superficial as more money, better performance, more legalism, more metrics? I have. It usually leaves me feeling empty. And resistant.
What I want to say in response is, “I can’t promise you that; in fact, I don’t want to settle for just that. What I can promise you is something deeper: Who I am, What I believe in, What I value, What moves me, What the world needs. The Father of Jesus of Nazareth made me like this; you got me!”
Men, there is a treasure you in. It’s God-given. It may not be valued by everyone you know, or work for; nevertheless, it’s a treasure. It has more value than just money. Give it! Some will ignore it. Some will mock it. Some will relish it and walk away dancing.
“For we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Cor. 4:7
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.