By Blake Bush

"Never let them see ya sweat." Yea, you remember it. We all thought it was just a commercial about anti-perspirant. But the cold hard fact is that this pithy perspiration promo is really the mantra of modern man. A voice deep inside of us repeats like a broken CD track counseling us to, "NOT LET ANYONE KNOW WE'RE STRUGGLING" We are too cool – or we want to appear cool when the heat is being turned up. The Bible says that men hate coming to the light lest their deeds be exposed. (John 3:20) At the core of man is a voice that directs us to not share our struggles, fears, failures, and evil thoughts. So, when the going gets tough, the tough get going – away from relationships that could bring accountability and help.

Making a man weary and isolated is the primary work of the enemy. Jesus looked with compassion upon the crowd because they were 'weary and scattered.' (Matthew 9:36) First, we get weary with our battle. Every man has an inward (and often outward) battle. Battles fought in isolation bring weariness. And when we get defeated, we isolate further. We isolate because…

we are ashamed.

we are prideful – thinking we can get it together on our own.

we don’t want someone calling us on our sin.

But, be warned. Isolation leads to defeat. By design we are not meant to overcome on our own. When Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus left His grave-clothes on. As Lazarus hopped from the tomb Jesus directed his disciples to 'Loose him and let him go.' I think Jesus was making a statement here. He ultimately raises us up from death, but those around us help us out of our old clothes – our old ways. Notice that the face of Lazarus was covered with a burial cloth. Sometimes we can’t even see where we are going, or our current condition. Praise God for friends that help unwrap our lives!

For those who don't want the help, the Bible says in Proverbs 18:1

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;

He rages against all wise judgment. (NKJV)

Not only is isolation going to kill a man, but ultimately it is the worst kind of selfishness – 'seeking his own desire.' Let's face it, isolation and defeat is about more than just us as men. THIS INVOLVES OUR FAMILIES!

Men need to get with other men because our families need us and want us to be whole. Our families, churches, and society are in desperate need of men who will be authentic, accountable, uncompromising, humble, and PRO-ACTIVE. It is past time that men pro-actively pursue transparent realtionships and an abundance of Godly counsel. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Prov. 14:12) It might seem right to isolate, but this is certain death. On the other hand, when we follow His way of being 'joined and knit together' there is life. He has set before us life and death, blessing and cursing. Men, it is time to choose life!