For Men Only (Discipleship III)
First let me say thanks for the overwhelming response to my previous post (through comments, email, phone, text, etc.). I appreciate the discussion. The thought behind my last post was the question, how can we help guard each other as we walk this life’s journey?
As I read through the comments, I was pleased to see so many of you speaking the same language and sharing very similar thoughts. When it comes to my original question, where do men need help, my friend, Jonathan Yandell, answered it best when by asking, “where don’t men need help?” I am sure you get his point. The truth is, he’s right. Men need help. Not because they are pigs or disgusting freaks looking for a thrill and/or excitement. While those types do exist, it is the good guys who need the help. Why the good guys? The answer is simple. It’s the good guys who present the largest target for our adversary. First Peter describes our adversary as one who is seeking to devour those who are committed to following Christ. I believe that as we continue to pursue a closer relationship with God, the adversarial target increases in size.
Accountability and discipleship seem to be the common thread found in the comments to the previous post. I agree, but why is it so difficult, especially among men? There are two reasons, both of which were alluded to by others. 1. Men are not as open. Perhaps I am speaking for me personally, but I find it difficult at times to share with other men about issues I face in this journey. Men seem to be more closed to the idea of having accountability partners, while at the same time, would jump at the chance to talk to someone else about their struggles. This leads to the second reason. 2. The Trust Factor. My friend Derrick mentioned that we need “straight talk” among men or “transparency” as others put it. The idea is great, but transparency can be dangerous. I think men would be more open to one another if they felt that bond of trust. And it’s not always a matter of trusting another person, but rather trusting a system of accountability that leaves men to feel most vulnerable, which is a very uneasy feeling.
Well… what does the Bible say about being accountable to one another? What does it say concerning the areas to discipleship and mentoring. I think Jonathan and Dave nailed it. We need “inter-generational fellowship” among men. There is a lot we can learn from those men who have been where we are. There needs to be more “Titus Training” taking place in our circles. While Paul urged young Timothy to be an example among the elders who were apparently looking down upon him because he was young, Paul also “instituted” the Titus Training – let the older men teach the younger. All of us need mentoring, young or old; well knowledge or not so much (like me). I like what Tommy said in his comment, “the best mentors are the ones who themselves are being mentored.”
We are all apart of the same family and because of that, we need to be more responsible to each other. Let’s help guard and protect one another.
