The only way to truly grow is in community. There is a misconception that there is honor in “lone wolves” men which pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. This may work for a few things but not for the long haul. Let’s look at the majestic redwood forest. Their impressive size and number is glorious when viewed from the ground up. The oldest living coast redwood is at least 2,200 years old, but foresters believe some coast redwoods may be much older. In addition to age, a redwood tree can grow to 300 feet or more—the tallest tree on Earth! They live so long—and are treasured by humans for building—because they are extremely resistant to insects, fire and rot. They are home and protect a host of animals and species. These are both individual and collective characteristics of allowing the tree to mature but the real secret is HOW they can live to such a long age.
Redwood tree roots are very shallow, often only five or six feet deep. But what they lack in depth, they make up for it in width, sometimes extending up to 100 feet from the trunk. They thrive in thick groves, where the roots can intertwine and even fuse together. This gives them tremendous strength against the forces of nature. Together they can withstand high winds and raging floods. This all contributes to feed their necessity for large amounts of water which comes from not only from an optimal location, but also because being in community allows them make their own rain, out of fog! The moisture in the air condenses between the leaves and eventually drips down to the root zone.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” and verse 12 reads: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Encouragement:
Our Creator never meant for us to do life on our own. This was not his plan from the beginning and neither will it be for eternity.
FX3 Daily D::
Read: Think about an area where you tend to isolate yourself in and why?
Pray: Find a group of like minded men with Godly direction and conviction and akin yourself with them.
Meditate / Make It Real: Commit to gather. It can start with a single event and then a monthly or weekly meeting. If you don’t find any, start one of your own and pray that God will add to your numbers. A great place to start is in your church, local community clubs, fitness clubs, etc.
