Be The Man You Must Be

Building community in the social context, in the context of our friendships and relationships, means reworking ‘existing’ friendships and relationships and making them authentic. As men we try doing things which suit us, friendships or relationships placed in “levels” and “statures” and making that work for us. It’s mostly never about others but always about ourselves. We should rather dismantle or destroy the false images we have built up around our lives and look for the authentic stuff which really works. It means humbling ourselves in front of our friends and family by showing them our undisguised, unguarded brokenness.

That’s how true friendships and relationships are birthed – where the real you is present, strong or weak. Most times it means we must lead the pack when authenticity is required. Authenticity is counterculture. Men don’t like being turned around or made to change; it’s the way we are moulded, our characters, and our livelihoods. But this is real! 1 Peter 5:6 offers us some insight to this; “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” God wants to lift us up. He wants the world to see what He is capable of doing through you. He wants to make you “famous” for His glory!

Look around. Very few people live in an authentic relationship. Most is make believe so that the truth can be hidden from others. This is the same as carrying burdens of pain daily. Why? It’s only through authenticity that a transformation to-Christ-likeness happens. Be real and become the man you should be; authentic. Someone must go first. Someone must take that first step! Let it be you and start today, then go and change the world, starting with your own friendship circles and relationships. You are the man! Enjoy the blessed authentic life.