Locations & Times

Let’s talk about Chair Five. 

The Rocking Chair. 

Now, before you check out and assume we’re talking about retirement or shuffleboard or that weird floral chair on your grandma’s porch...slow down. 

This might be the most important chair of all. 

I think it’s the rarest chair in the world right now. 

Not because people don’t get older. We all do. But not many people grow into this kind of maturity. 

Chair Five isn’t about age...it’s about presence. 

It’s about wisdom. It’s about legacy. It’s about Me with God, and Me beside you. 

This is the seat of the sage. 

Sit Down. I’ll Listen. 

Picture it. 

Two chairs. 

One for you. One for them. 

And you’re not standing at a podium. You’re not barking orders from a throne. You’re not in the driver’s seat gunning the engine. 

You’re just with. 

With God. With them. With whoever God’s brought into your life that needs your voice, your attention, your story. 

This is the chair where the warriors come to rest. 

Where the captains come for clarity. 

Where the kings come for counsel. 

Chair Five says: “Pull up a seat. I’ve got time. I’ve got stories. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve seen God come through. Let’s talk.” 

And I’m telling you, this is the chair our world is starving for. 

Mentors, Not Influencers 

In a culture obsessed with platforms and followers and blue checkmarks, Chair Five doesn’t care about any of that. 

Chair Five cares about you. 

It doesn’t preach at you. It walks with you. It asks questions. It offers wisdom. It’s not quick to give advice...but when it does, it’s earned. 

And listen...this chair will always include a second chair. 

Because this kind of maturity isn’t just for you. 

It’s for the ones coming behind you. It’s for your son. Your daughter. Your neighbor. That younger guy at work. That single mom at your church. That teenage kid who needs someone to say, “I believe in you.” 

You don’t need a seminary degree to sit in this chair. 

You just need a walk with God. 

You need scars that have turned into stories. 

You need love that doesn’t flinch when someone’s a mess. 

You need a heart that says: “I’ve been where you are—and I’m not going anywhere.” 

Who’s Your Neighbor? 

Remember when Jesus said the greatest command was to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? 

Then He said the second is just like it. 

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

So who’s your neighbor? 

In Chair Five, it’s everyone to the right. 

The ones still in the high chair, throwing tantrums. 

The ones in the driver’s seat, wrestling with authority. 

The ones in the captain’s chair, building their life and trying not to lose their soul. 

The ones in the throne room, trying to lead a kingdom with a heart that stays soft. 

Your job in Chair Five is to love them. 

Listen to them. 

Pray for them. 

Challenge them when they’re drifting. 

And remind them who they are...especially when they’ve forgotten. 

A Word to the Ladies 

Ladies, listen to me here: use every ounce of influence you’ve got to make sure the men in your life are watch this full series if they missed any of it. 

If you’re married...nudge him. Bribe him. Pray for him. Lock the doors if you have to. 

If you’re dating some dude who’s not interested in learning to be a man of God...dump his butt. Seriously. Don’t waste time hoping he’ll grow up someday. Chair Five is not for boys who refuse to leave Chair One. 

If I wouldn’t trust him with my daughter or my truck, he shouldn’t be driving your heart. 

And dads? Text your daughter’s boyfriend. 

Tell him, “I saved you a seat next to me. See you next Sunday,” or "Hey, l have something for us to watch together."

For the Men 

Men, this is it. 

This is the seat your family needs you to get to. 

This isn’t about pretending you’ve got it all figured out. It’s about showing up. Being available. Learning to sit with God, so you can sit with others. 

Let me give you a homework assignment. 

Be here. 

Both of the next two weeks. 

Not because the coffee’s good or the music’s loud...but because the people who love you are watching. Your sons are learning how to be men by watching you. Your daughters are learning what to expect from men by watching you. Your wife is praying that you’ll show up. 

Not just physically. 

But spiritually. 

Emotionally. 

Relationally. 

Chair Five doesn’t happen by accident. 

It happens when you decide: I’m doing everything I can to become the man, husband, and father they deserve. 

So, Where Are You Sitting? 

The Rocking Chair is not the end of the road. It’s not retirement. It’s not stepping out of the fight. 

It’s stepping into your most important role yet. 

A man or woman of God…who knows how to be still. 

Who knows how to love well. 

Who’s done chasing significance…because they’ve already found it in Jesus. 

And now, they’re giving it away...one conversation, one story, one rocking chair at a time. 

If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.