True Friends

A man of many companions comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Pro 18:24)

Companions are people who are just along for the ride. There is no commitment. As soon as it’s not fun anymore they are gone. If these are the only kind of relationships we cultivate, when hard times come we are going to be in trouble. A true friend is committed. True friends love each other and will stand by each other in hard times. I must make it my business to cultivate true friendships with other men. In our society the male culture is a companion culture. This is not good. I must work to overcome the desire to stay safe and distant, uncommitted to those around me. The best way to make a friend is to be one. I must demonstrate my commitment. And the truest friend of all is Jesus. Lord Jesus, help me to be like you: to love others selflessly and to be faithful to them when hard times come.

Show Yourself a Man

I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires. (I Kings 2:2-3a)

This is David's charge to Solomon. What a tremendous example for us fathers! We must not neglect to do the same. Lord, help me to hold out a true, Biblical picture of manhood for my sons, in both my words and my deeds. I know I have not always modeled it the way I should. God forgive me and help them to see by my example what true manhood is like. Help me to model it better than I have before. Amen.

True Masculinity

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. (I Cor 16:13-14)

Many Christians today believe that the contemporary American church has feminized the Gospel. And it does seem like you are more likely to hear “Do everything in love” at church than “Be men of courage.” But there is really no conflict between these two. We have to remember what true Biblical love means. True love is acting in the best interest of others. True masculinity is not to be equated with selfishness or rashness but with strength and self-sacrifice. It is nevertheless true that I can’t recall every hearing verse 13 quoted in church. And, personally, I don’t think of myself as being particularly firm, courageous and strong. I've never been one of the guys who sit around talking about sports, hunting and physical abilities. It is easy to think of myself as less of a man because I am not physically robust and have different interests. But I don’t think Paul was speaking of physical strength, necessarily. I can be a man of faith, courage and strength of character. This is the kind of masculinity we most need and which is most lacking. I am no less a man for my lack of athletic skills. To be a real man, a godly man, I must cultivate an inner strength, the kind that comes only from God. Holy Spirit, mold me and shape me to walk in faith with courage and integrity, as a true man of God. Amen.