The Man God Made You to Be Sample

Day 4 - Friends

I have a group of friends I have been hanging out with for over 17 years. We connected in college and, for the most part, the group has not changed. 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 mad. Pouting, I left 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 grown 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 a scene! It was also quite a memory and one that brings smiles to our faces, even to this day.

This group of guys has been with me through the good and 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, and cried together. I would not trade these guys for the world.

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 community and start building walls. We don’t want to run the risk of being called out. We 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 men 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 men develop authentic community. Wherever you find them, these friends are needed and they are worth it!

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.

Thank you for reading this plan. Keep taking steps to be the man God made you to be!

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