Reading again from my Men’s Devotional Bible

Scripture~
James 5:13-20; Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 1 Thessalonian 2:6-12

So, I think I may have come to a realization that was kind of always there . . . I just had never really looked at it in this light before. I have always been some what of a recluse. Sure I have an outgoing personality and to my knowledge I always have; fond memories of my mother telling stories regarding a certain time they lost me in Sears and found me chatting away with someone in the shoe department.
Like I said, it’s rare that I know a stranger. I see the same thing in my daughter. But, on to my point, in reading today . . . I get the sense that the point is the relationship. Well, that is the point. The Jews missed it when they focused so much on the Law that they didn’t realize what God really wanted . . . and we too can miss it, and do; relationship with His creation.
But today’s reading speaks specifically about our relationships with others. I’d love to say I have a lot of people that I’m deeply committed to or better, a lot of people that I share my failures with. I am a LOT more open than I used to be; but I think perhaps I can do better. I think maybe this explains some anger I see in a few people I know. Chasing after the societal view of masculinity; which is in direct conflict with true masculinity that we want to gravitate to. For example, society would say that masculinity is going out with the guys after work, maybe playing a game of football or some console game; tossing a few back, going home after the kids are in bed and getting up and doing the same thing tomorrow. True masculinity is being there for your wife when she’s had a rough day; taking your kids on an outing or showing up for their games. Being involved with your family . . .
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a guys night out or even a schedule that allows for that time, in fact I’d say to a point it’s needed. But every night? Never connecting with your spouse or children? I think this war can only lead to frustration and anger . . . which only exacerbates the issue and widens the chasm between a man and his family.
So what is the point to work your butt off only to one day die and give it all to the state? Now if you have a family again what benefit is it to work your life away to lay on your death bed and only wish for more time with your family? That is if you get a ‘death bed’ experience. Is the money and wealth worth the stress on your life and broken relationships you leave in your wake? {Ecclesiastes} How much easier life is to have those brothers who you can count on, and be accountable to. If you fall they will be there to help you up {1 Thess}
I’m on this path; no where near where I should be . . . there was a time when I had no friends that I could hold to the standard as laid out in James. Thankfully that list has grown, and after reading these passages, I am made ever more grateful for my band of brothers, my men I can count on. They are truly a blessing.