It is all too easy today for Men to think they do not need anyone. That close friends and conversations are for women. That Men only need sports and beer. That is not true. The Bible says "As Iron sharpens iron, so one Man sharpens another". Men – we are all broken. We may have unhappy childhoods – why didn’t my dad tell me he loved me? We may have a bad work environment – why are we not being promoted as fast as the next guy? Maybe our wife has left us for another man. Maybe we think no one accepts us because we’re weird- we don’t like football as much as the next guy. Maybe we think no one wants to hang out with us because we’re not strong- we prefer going to a play instead of going to the gym. And we may cover it up with drink, or women, or drugs. But you know what – we may also cover it up with things society doesn’t think is wrong – working too hard; numbing yourself with ESPN until 1 am rather than dealing with your hurt; buying a fancy car; pornography; eating bad foods.
The only real way to heal our brokenness is to develop a relationship with Jesus. Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus can heal all these wounds. There is nothing you have done that Jesus will not forgive and heal, if you just ask Him.
And part of how God works is through community. When we sit with another man, a true Brother, and not just watch ESPN but turn the TV off and say – Hey Man, I noticed you’re working till 10 pm every night, do you think you should go home earlier and spend time with your wife? Or – Hey Man, I just read this book on relationships, can I share it with you? Or – Hey Man, I’m feeling really down and I need someone to talk to. Can I come by?
God works in those situations, through community with other Men. If you are not in a close relationship with several other Men who you can truly call your Band of Brothers, start to look for it.
(Please check out the Resources link for more information on getting connected and forming your own Band of Brothers.)
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