Become a man (or woman) who changes others. For God.
One of the concepts that I see espoused occasionally in the manosphere and/or viral social media is that you’re the sum of the “5 people that are closest to you.” There is an element of truth present in this because it is well supported by Scriptural verses about bad company and good company.
In the secular manosphere, this is the catalyst for many men (and women) to dump their own friends and make new friends with those on the same journey.
However, this is not exactly something that a professed Christian should be looking to do — namely dump their friends and get new ones. Indeed, because Christians are supposed to be united as one as brothers and sisters in Christ as the body, we should have no delusions that we are to leave any behind.
On the other hand, it is true that people of like mind will be more willing to stick closer to each other. You may find that in some cases you will start to drift away from others who may not be as serious in their walks with God as those who are more serious, but that should not be a dissuading factor of not encouraging and building up those who are less serious in their faith.
I would assert that as Christians the “sum of our faith” is not only how much we can improve in our own relationships with God, but also to how we can inspire change around us so that others will seek after God. This is the relationship nature of Christianity.
Of course, this is not such a new concept. In fact, it’s just another perspective on what it means to evangelize not only to non-believers but to believers alike.
It is important to remember that by our actions we either show God’s love or not. If we can truly show God’s love through Him working in us, then our influence should grow and God can use that to inspire change in those around us.
This is a measure of charisma, and why it is related to joy, grace, and forgiveness.
I see that the men I interact with in the church are being strengthened in the faith. Their handshakes are firmer. Their resolve is greater. They are becoming stronger and courageous. They are learning how to speak more of their faith. Of course, not all of it is God working through me, but I know that at least a part of it is God’s power working through me. And I know that I still have a long way to go myself.
The fruit of our Christian walk is not only of ourselves, but it is also in those around us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Look for it and be encouraged. I know that I am encouraged.
