Better Together
By David Ax
Most men know how to be survivors, fighters, and defenders. To some degree, we were created to pick up a hammer and build, or shoulder our rifle and scan the horizon, or stand at the door and protect those we love.
These are God given characteristics. They are qualities He gave us, not the way of life He desires for us. Most men can survive alone, but very few have experienced the power and blessings that come when you stop surviving alone and begin thriving together.
Study after study has shown how powerful relationships can be. Consider a few examples. The CDC has found that socially isolated people have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and even early death. The Mayo Clinic has summarized decades of research showing that strong friendships lower stress, reduce depression and anxiety, increase self-confidence, and help people recover more quickly from difficult seasons of life.
Over the last few decades, and due to increasing pressures from work, culture, expectations, families, and family responsibilities, many men have become more isolated than ever before.
While modern studies show it, God's word has always said it:
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
The Bible also says:
“A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.” (Proverbs 18:1)
There is hope. The number of men I have spoken with in the last few years who are willing to admit that they have no friends in their lives and in need of a brotherhood is shocking. I am not shocked that this need exists but I'm pleasantly surprised that they are willing to be honest and admit it.
Where does someone begin?
Well, can I suggest a good Bible teaching, people loving church? The most important foundation you can have in life is a relationship with Jesus Christ and a life built upon His Word. Right alongside that foundation is building strong Christ-centered relationships.
Don't just attend church; be present. Sign up to serve. Attend events beyond Sunday morning. Muster the courage to invite someone to lunch. Stay after the service and strike up a conversation.
If you don't know where to start, introduce yourself to one of the pastors. Talking with people and helping them get connected is literally why they are there.
Whether you load up the truck with friends and family or come by yourself and make some new ones, I would love to invite you to join men across the Treasure Valley for a powerful one-day conference. August 29th is coming quick. So, step up and step out. Come experience what happens when men stand shoulder to shoulder, have others' backs, encourage one another, and commit themselves to following Christ together.
If you are a wife reading this, consider encouraging your husband to attend! Pray for him, support him, and help him take that first step.
Visit TVMen.org for conference information. If you're looking for a good church, we'd love to have you visit Calvary Chapel Star, or give us a call. Tell us where you live, and we'll gladly help you find a Bible-teaching church where you can grow in God's Word and build meaningful relationships.
Pastor David Ax — Calvary Chapel Star — 208-329-5144
The above column was originally published at The Star Courier in Star, Idaho.
What does it mean to be brothers in Christ?
SPEAKER SAMMY MARTINEZ: This is so key, so important. It means to have someone who is like-minded in and through Christ. Why do I surround myself with certain men? Who do I consider to be my brothers in the Lord?
One, I want to make sure that we're like-minded, that that we think the same way. Our minds are set upon Christ. We're thinking about His Word throughout the day. We are locked in on prayer, and to have that same desire to follow Him, and then with that comes the accountability.
I'm Sammy Martinez, and I have the amazing opportunity to come and share with you men at the Treasure Valley Men's Conference on August 29th. This is a conference you will not want to miss. Please come and be equipped, be encouraged, be exhorted through God's word and see what God will have for you. There's no doubt as we've been praying for you, men. God is going to speak to every single one of us, and our prayer is that none of us leave the same way that we walked in, but that we would be able to declare that we met with the Lord on that Saturday, August 29th. I hope to see you there!
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