Real Men Drink Milk!
By Dave McLaren --
Recently I was sitting at our breakfast table thinking about what to say in this communique regarding men and, specifically, our upcoming Men’s Retreat this fall. For some reason, an advertising slogan from the past came flashing across my mind: “Real Men Drink Milk.” (Note: I was not drinking milk at the time.) Reflecting on this recollection from the past, I came to the conclusion that the Lord was speaking to me. “Why?” I pondered. I rarely drink milk as it often upsets my sensitive stomach. So I was compelled to go back and investigate the when’s and why’s of this famous advertising campaign. I learned it came about in the mid-90’s at a time when milk was thought to be “for babies only.” To debunk this myth the “California Milk Processing Board” contracted an ad agency to promote the benefits of milk. The specific ads themed “Real Men Drink Milk” became a part of the overall “Got Milk” campaign. The goal was to boost the dairy industry through milk sales by communicating that milk can, in some capacity, strengthen men.
As I reflected on these thoughts, I was reminded of Peter’s words to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor in the first century. He wrote that we are to be “like newborn babies, [who] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (I Peter 2:2). If you are anything like I am, the idea of being “like a newborn” baby is not something that comes naturally to me, because I like to think of myself as being independent rather than dependent. So if I am implored by the Lord to be a dependent person, I asked myself what am I to be dependent upon? I thought of that for a while and came to realize that I am to be dependent upon God’s love. Therefore, it is this very thing that we will explore deeply at our Men’s Retreat (November 15-17) in Turner, Oregon.
The theme of our retreat will be “Men AT Love.” Mark your calendars and be looking for the time to sign up. Space will be limited, so signing up early will assure you of what we expect to be a richly rewarding time with your GPBC brothers.
“The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (I Timothy 1:5)