I used to be a Lone Ranger. No mask or six-shooter, though riding a white horse would have been cool. Just a loner, as most men tend to be. Oh, we often have several acquaintances, but almost never enjoy real, deep friendships.
I hit a wall in my faith a few years ago, realizing my heart had been “evil” and “unbelieving” like it says in the verse above. I became aware of my deep need for accountability and support from other men. I wanted my heart to remain tender and never again to be “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Our church had a handful of like-minded men who were also seeking a “band of brothers” to lift them up and to hold their feet to the fire if necessary. We wanted to encourage and exhort one another to love and good deeds – while it was still “today” (Hebrews 3:13).
We met for coffee, sharing, and prayer on Saturday mornings, and history began to be made. Not national or international history, but our marriages and families began to grow stronger because we men were committed to Jesus, to each other, and to our loved ones.
How about you? Are you tired of a fake faith or a faith that just doesn’t seem to work? Is there another person or persons with whom you could meet regularly for prayer and encouragement? God gave us brothers and sisters to help us keep our faith real and strong while it’s still today!
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me see my need for brothers and sisters, and thank you for making me a part of your forever family. Help me never to neglect the great privilege and responsibility of relationship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Go Deeper — If you don’t have a small group of believers to help you stay accountable, pray for God to open ways for you to start one or join one. In the meantime, our free online mentors can help provide support.
Read Further — Check out the Band of Brothers blog. It is an outgrowth of the Saturday morning meetings mentioned above.
Photo Credit: Alex Radelich