Steps to Becoming the Man/Woman God made us to be...

Step 4 - FRIENDS

I have a couple of friends I have been hanging out with for over 40 years. We connected in the 5th grade, and for the most part, the group has not changed, except through life experiences. Growing up, each year we take a trip together, and one particular year we went to a lake. We decided to go across the lake by boat for pizza. It happened to be a very hot day that turned into a super muggy evening. At some point during dinner I got into an argument with one of my friends. It got heated and I got so angry, I left, pouting, to go back to the boat. We were arguing about some stupid thing, but at the moment it seemed super important.

Everyone eventually came back to the boat where my friend and I resumed our argument. Now understand, it was muggy. We had just eaten and were on a boat with waves. As we argued, another friend attempted to bring peace, while our fourth friend gets boat sick and starts puking over the side of the boat! Did this stop the argument? NOPE! So in this boat you have four young men, two mad and yelling, one trying to bring peace, and the fourth puking his guts out over the side of the boat. It was quite the scene! It was also quite a memory and brings smiles to our faces, even to this day.

This group of guys has been with me through the good and the bad times in my life. I can say they are closer than brothers to me. The same is true for them. We have held each other accountable, laughed, fought, and cried together. I would not trade these guys for anything in this world. Our relationship has not always be smooth sailing, but one thing that has stayed at the center of our relationship has been our faith in Jesus. We all understand now how important having a personal relationship with Jesus is and how important being involved in a community of faith is, as well. Even though we are all living in different states, we are still as close as ever.

Does this story resonate with you? Do you find yourself longing for true community? Too often as men, we tend to isolate ourselves. We stop building communities and start building walls. We don't want to run the risk of being called out. Most have a hard time with vulnerability and can't receive constructive criticism or feedback. We have stopped sharing our hearts and share more about our accomplishments. This does not make better, but creates chasms in our development.

I believe men crave community and authentic manhood. We long to create memories and share stories. We want tough conversations with someone we can trust; the type of friends who will build you up, and not tear you down. Those who have your best interest and genuinely want you to get better.

A great saying is "show me your friends and I will show you your future." A great place to find these friends is in church or a small group. There are also other great organizations specifically designed to help me develop authentic community. Wherever you find them, these friends are needed and they are worth it!

Questions:

1. What does your friend circle look like?

2. Do your current friends build you up, or tear you down?

3. Start asking God, today, to direct your steps and guide you to strong friends.

4. Get involved with organizations that have the same passions you do. There is a good chance you will find friends there.

Proverbs 18:24 - "A man that hath friends, ought to shew himself friendly: for a friend is closer than a brother."

Proverbs 27:6 - "The wounds of a lover are faithful, and the kisses of an enemy are pleasant."

1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Be not deceived: evil speaking corrupts good manners."

Thank you for reading this series. Keep taking steps to be the man or woman God made you to be! I hope in some way this series has helped you rekindle or start something new that will change you life forever. Please see my website for all the blogs and services that we can provide to all. Jesus tells us that he is knocking on the door, and we just have to answer and open the door, repent, and let him in. If you are struggling with understanding or have never been offered the opportunity to hear Jesus's story, we would love to have the opportunity to make contact with you! Please visit our website listed below and fill out the contact form. We look forward to speaking with you soon. Until then, BE WELL...

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