Men Who Walk the Talk

One of the best parts about being a journalist is the interviews—you get to meet or talk with a variety of people. Last week I had the opportunity to talk with quarterback Kurt Warner. Kurt has two NFL MVPs and a Super Bowl ring, and he has helped countless people through his ministry. This week I got to talk with Mark Mynheir. Mark is a Florida homicide detective who has managed to write several successful Christian novels despite having severe dyslexia (look for his story in Monday’s edition of New Man.)

One thing that struck me about both Kurt and Mark was that, despite leading dramatically different lives, both men believe they are simply trying to do what God has called them to.

Kurt mentioned several times that football is just his job. He said the only reason he is so outspoken about his faith is that God has placed him in a high-profile position specifically for that reason. He gave God all the glory for giving him the amazing opportunity to be successful at football. In addition to expressing his faith publicly, Kurt also tries privately to be a good friend and share the gospel with his teammates as often as he can.

Similarly, Mark said the only reason he even attempted to write a novel was that God specifically called him to do it. At the time, he thought it was a crazy idea because he could barely read or write. Now, after publishing several novels, Mark gives all the credit and glory to God. In addition to his writing, Mark also tries to be as good a friend and Christian witness as he can be to his fellow police officers, who have a tough job.

One of the hallmarks of the recent men’s movement in America is the belief that God has called each man to a specific purpose and given each man a specific sphere of influence. The late Ed Cole, one of the fathers of the movement, often said that if every Christian man lived the life God called him to live, it could change the country.

I believe Kurt Warner and Mark Mynheir are shining examples of what can happen when men listen to God’s calling and obey. They live in entirely different worlds, but they are making the most of their opportunities to obey God within their spheres of influence.

After talking with them, I felt convicted to ask myself if I have been doing the same. Have I been a solid friend and witness to my co-workers? Have I been actively listening for God’s voice and letting Him give me a vision for what He can do in my life?

Have you? I’d love to hear from you about the ways you have tried to be a witness in your sphere of influence. E-mail me at "Walk the Talk" at newman@strang.com.