what a guy wants

I got a call from a friend today. He's a young man I met last summer who moved into town for a while. He called to talk, sort of at the end of his rope. He's dealing with a problem that I think most of us guys deal with.

To paint the picture a little clearer, let me give you some background. My friend is a follower of Christ. He comes from a solid family, has been used by God to encourage others, is intent on sharing his story with others, willing to serve in the local church, and wanting to grow spiritually. Today he was frustrated with his situation, feeling a little lower than slumpy, and not sure how to get out of the cycle. He's been involved in a big church for a few months, but feels lost in the bigness.

What's my buddy's problem?

He is alone.

He has no community, no group of men around him to challenge him and encourage him in his walk with God, no place to contribute to the development of others. Nate Larkin (Samson and the Pirate Monks) points out that this isolation was one of the fundamental differences between Samson and King David, and is the reason that so many Christian men fall or fail to live for Jesus. It is not good for man to be alone.

My bud took the first step in breaking the chains today. He called someone, admitted that he needs someone to walk with him, and asked for help. His problem is not that he doesn't know what to do. He needs a community to help him be consistent in his pursuit of a life in Christ.

Don't we all? Don't we all...