Friends In Christ

Mentors are a good thing, guidance for our lives that we may not otherwise have.  However, nothing can replace the relationships we develop with our own peers around us.  I've been blessed to have the mentorship and guidance of four of the most Godly men I know.  For this I am thankful, but what I lack are those peer to peer relationships apparently.  It seems right, mentors are very needed for spiritual and life guidance, but we MUST have friends, buddies, brothers in arms as well.  Phil Downer recently recounted how his comrade Crosley from Vietnam had recently revealed to him years after returning home from Southeast Asia, his deep appreciation for Phil saving his life.  "Thanks for coming for me Downer" was brother Crosleys reply.   See, not only did Phil save Crosleys life in Vietnam, but led him to Christ years later, saving his soul.  Alot has been said in modern Christian literature about Christian men rallying around one another in "Gods army" with spiritual swords drawn ready to slay our adversaries.  The use of military jargon in modern Christianity may seem offensive to some, motivating to others.  The way I see it, it's all about relationship.  Upon entering the military, a young man (or woman) will immediately be "torn down" by military authority in order to be shaped into the soldiers needed by our nation.  This process produces in those who undergo it a sense of brotherhood, that's the goal.  Can we simply develop that relationship with another man and say "hey, brother, we're in this together now"?  As men, we usually will not do that.  If we follow the model of my dads generation, we "go it alone", requesting neither help or assistance from anyone until we're brought low enough to where seeking help from someone else is our only option.  Pride, and pride alone, can be our downfall to relationships.  I know this for a fact, I've lived it.  Men are strong both emotionaly and physically, and if they EVER ask for help, then you know something has gone wrong.  This attitude flies in the face of what I believe God planned for us as men.  Looking into the relationship Jesus shared with his disciples we see nobody in that group walking outside the community they had established.  No, these men shared life with Jesus by spending their lives with him.  As Jesus selected his chosen men we see a common approach..."follow me".  Ultimately, at the cross, the disciples scattered, but their ministry became legendary.  So, if Jesus chose community with these men, wouldn't it be safe to assume that he wants the same for us?  It takes alot for a man to step out of his shell and develop Godly friendships, believe me I've struggled with this very thing!  However, how can the joy of God be spread if not through the fellowship of friends?