Two-Way Relationships
Once you “get” the essence of Christianity….that it’s not about you, but about Him and others, you find yourself really busy. You’re immersed in church stuff; you get involved in ministries, Bible studies, small groups and the like. You step it up with your wife and your kids, working to become the leader of your home they need you to be. And before you know it, you’re alone.
Alone?
Yes, you’re all give and no get. No one knows you. No one knows what you think, how you think, what you’re afraid of, what you dream about. You’re going so fast, seem so strong and “in God’s will”, no one is going to chase you down and ask “Hey man, how are you doing? I mean, REALLY doing”.
So imagine you have a good friend…maybe someone you’ve been investing in and helping, who stops you and asks that question…truly expresses an interest in you. “How are you doing man? I mean really!”
Dilemma.
Do I tell him? Like – really tell him? Do I confess that I’m struggling? Do I admit that I’m lonely? Does he really care about me and my stuff, or is he just being nice?
You won’t ever know until you trust him with you. But as a recent beneficiary of “two-way relationships”, I can say unequivocally TELL HIM THE TRUTH. Open up. Let your friend love you. Express your need for help. This is so freaking hard for men because we are so prideful by nature.
Christ was the opposite. He was “gentle and humble in heart.” He took his closest friends with him. He asked them to be there in is hour of need. He told them EVERYTHING.
Question: Do you have a friend who knows everything about you? If not, why do you think?
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Responses (0)
Great post, taking risk to open up to someone can lead to amazing break throughs. I am working on this area of my life. I have two guys I am trying to be completely open with.
I’ve learned that I can’t “fix” anyone. But we can all grow in community. 84% of the people who come to Christ after age 18 do so through the influence of a trusted friend. What does that point us to? Man to man friendships.