I have the proverbial lazy streak when it comes to spiritual matters. That’s what lead to a six month decline into darkness I wouldn’t wish on anyone. One of the annoying things about my lazy streak though is it’s cyclical. After I’ve been down for a while I’ll pop back up, like Rocky in round five. I’ll slug away at it for a while and then I get tired, drop my guard, and get the crap beaten out of me. Perhaps that’s true of a lot of men. I know that for me it often takes getting beaten until I’m bloody for me to accept the means of God’s grace and get back up on my feet. I’m working on the “why” of that situation.

I know that right know the men of Redeemer are getting soundly beaten. It seems a day can’t go that I don’t hear about one of us in dire straights. In many cases the situation is worse than anything I’ve ever gone through personally. In a few of those cases the men are blessed enough to have a fellow walking wounded who can come along side and offer a shoulder or a hand up. And don’t get me wrong, that can be good. I’ve been in churches where not even that was an option, but surely we can do better.

I’ve seen the leaders of Redeemer’s men’s ministry try any number of things over the years, only to have those efforts fail. I don’t think that the failure had anything to do with these men’s efforts and I certainly don’t think that the failure has anything to do with God. No, the failure has everything to do with me. And you. We are letting our brothers down.

“But wait,” I hear you (and me) say “I’m busy most Saturdays. I have familial obligations. And besides, there’s a really good game/movie/bike rally happening this weekend.”

Well let me tell you something my brother, Christ never said that this was going to be easy. My question to you is, what will it take for you to give up your comfort zone and meet your brother at his point of need? Does it have to be you falling into the ditch and being helped out? I know that’s what it’s been for me. It took a dear man saying some harsh words, calling me out, challenging me.

So I’m calling you out. If you get together with a group of guys and pray on a regular basis, then invite someone new. If you eat lunch out periodically, ask a brother who’s having a hard time to go with you. Next time you find yourself sitting, watching the ‘tube, turn it off and give that guy a call. You know the one I’m talking about. He’s on your mind right now. If you don’t know him then call me and I’ll tell you.

And if you’re like me, the me that was struggling in the mud and darkness not so long ago, I’m calling you out too. There’s a good possibility that the guys standing around you aren’t mind readers. Share your pain with your brothers. They can take it. Go to the means of grace that God has given us; the Word, prayer, the body of Christ. Don’t wait until you’re counted out.