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5. Less is More

The more the merrier they say. This might be true at celebrations. It’s not necessarily the case when we have great tasks at hand. Then ‘too many cooks can ruin the pot’ and ‘idle hands will start doing the devil’s work’. Obviously though when we are heading to war the numbers game seems relevant. If we outnumber the enemy, we should be victorious. If we are outnumbered by the enemy, we might not succeed. Or so we think.

The reality is that God does more with less of us and less with more of us. As John the Baptist said when questioned about Jesus, “He must become greater, and I must become less.” (John 3:30). If Christ would become more prominent within us, and our own desires would become less, how much more would we gain? If we have less ambition for our own glory and more obedience to His, how much higher could our spirit soar? If we would demand less and give more, how much more joyous would our relationships be – especially our marriages? If we spoke less of ourselves and asked more about others, how much better would our conversations go? If Jesus would be more and would be less, our efforts would truly be more blessed.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
– Philippians 2:3-4

When we let go of our own desires and demands, God awakens the core essentials of our masculinity. This does not mean you don’t want or need anything anymore. It does not mean you let go completely of your passion and live without purpose. In fact, you will find your true passion and greater purpose as a man when you allow Christ to play a bigger part in your life. He needs to play the biggest role in your life. The more you become like Christ, the more of a man you’ll be. Your story is all about His Glory. His Glory in your personal growth. His Glory in your workplace. His Glory in your church. His Glory in your city. And His Glory in your family and all other relationships. That’s devoted discipleship!

Speaking of relationships, as men we do need brothers. We need fellow men of God to run into danger with us. We need advisors for wise counsel within the battle. But as we see with Gideon, 300 is better than 30, 000. Less is more. When we want to go through life focused on God’s Glory, His plan and purpose for our lives, and the well-being of our families, then we’ll need a close-knit band of brothers. Not an army of advisors. Too many advisors bring confusion, not counsel. We need to know who to listen to, and who not to. And when to listen to who and for what reason.

As the Scriptures say, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24), and “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisors.” (Proverbs 24:5-6).

So, let us become less, and allow Christ to become greater within us. And let us discerningly select our inner circle of men. As with Gideon, God will also show you who these men could be. Who they should be. Only a handful, but trustworthy, faithful, spiritually sound, and like-minded men. Each one looking out for the interests of the other and not only the interest of himself.

Read Judges 7:1-14 and Reflect on the Following

1. In which ways should you become less, and allow Christ to become greater?

2. When looking at your band of brothers, do you think all of them add positively to your life?

3. If you were to select only a handful of men you can take on life with, who would they be?

4. What do you need to pray about today?