If you look in Webster’s dictionary, there are two definitions for the word ‘pansy’.  The first is the description of a beautiful garden flower that is often violet in color.  This is a very pleasant definition.  The second definition is not so encouraging.  It reads:

pansy – a weak or effeminate man or boy…

The definition I’m using here is not the part about being effeminate, because I believe there are many men who squander their families money and are not effeminate.  They buy manly things like paint ball guns, 4wheelers, car stereos, and iPhones.  None of these things are bad… In fact, I have several guns and a nice cell phone.  The point isn’t what they purchase, but when and how they purchase it.  If you prioritize big boy toyz over being in bondage to debt, you are a weak man (or boy), and you must strengthen your resolve for leading your families finances.

We live in a culture that is in dire financial straights.  The Consumer Reports Money Book states that the average household debt in America is more than $38,000.  If this isn’t startling, consider this: the ‘normal’ American family has $8,367 in credit card debt that they carry from month to month.  On average, these families are paying 18.3 percent in interest on that balance each month.  A few short steps in quick math will tell us that pansies who lead their families this way will expect to pay $1,000 in interest each year.

Have I offended you yet? Are you ticked at me because I’m calling some of you reading this a pansy? Honestly, I hope you do get offended.  In my life, there has been little changes in the areas of my weaknesses until I’ve been sufficiently angered about my current pattern of living.  Two years ago I realized that I was 40 pounds overweight.  In regards to my eating, I had become a typical American.  I was eating more than what my body required to satisfy my stomach and fulfill my gluttonous lust.  It wasn’t until I looked in the mirror one day and was sufficiently convicted that I began the process of glorifying God through healthy eating and exercise.  Over the course of the 4 months following that memorable day in the mirror, I lost 40 pounds and ran several half marathons to keep in shape.

I’m not writing to evoke emotion alone, but to rather challenge men, fathers, and husbands to stop being so weak in your resolve for Christian living.  Counter to what the culture may represent, it is not ‘Christian’ to be gluttonous, perverted, impatient, selfish, hateful, or envious (Gal 5).   To be a man is to trust in Christ as your only hope against the plight of our flesh, and stand firm against the temptations of becoming a nominal American male pansy.

I recently finished a book by Dave Ramsey called ‘Financial Peace’.  In his book, he gives 7 simple steps to overcoming debt and living in financial freedom.  If you are burdened down by your current financial position, I recommend this book for educating yourself on manly financial stewardship.  No longer should we be satisfied with the cultural norm of living in bondage to debt.  Rise up Christian men and stop being financial pansies.