“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” Acts 4:32
A man’s identity is deeply connected to what he does as a job/career and is his connection with the world. When a man struggles with his identity, it directly impacts his marriage, family, other relationships and his perspective of God. As you read this, you will understand this as a man. However, it is rarely, if ever, talked about. For some reason, we may have believed the lie that if a man needs help in some way, he is at a deficit. This leads men to become islands, trying to figure things out on their own. As men, we are told in our culture to be self-sufficient and independent. This is just not reality. None of us are self-sufficient nor independent. We need others.
Here is my point. As a faith-based men’s organization, we have the responsibility and the privilege to actually live out Acts 4:32. I love how practical this passage is. There were needs. People practically met those needs because of God’s provision. Now, let’s bring it to our present day as men of CBMC.
We have been given numerous resources in the form of our education, experiences, titles, positions, status, influence, and relationships. These are not meant just for us, but to be used and shared for the help and benefit of others. Going back to a man’s job/career, when a man needs a job or is at a career crossroads, each of us have resources to help this man. So, how can we help one another in our jobs/career journey and at the same time strengthen our identities? We pray for one another. I believe in the power of prayer, but God has also given us practical resources to act upon after we pray to help another man on this important part of his journey just as we see in Acts 4:32. Here are some simple steps to consider in helping another man on their career journey.
1. Ask the men in your CBMC groups how their jobs are going?
2. Is anyone in need of a job or considering a career change?
3. Who in your group has some experience in this area or knows of someone who does?
4. Meet that man for a coffee and engage him in a real conversation about his work, his stresses, his needs, and his hopes.
5. Connect him with other men who can help him in this journey.
6. Don’t stop at just one meeting and conversation. Follow up numerous times.
As CBMC, we are about discipleship. When we practically help another man with his needs, engage him in genuine conversations and become a trusted friend, we are helping strengthen his identity in Jesus. As a result, we are giving hope to his marriage, family, and more than likely developing a real friendship which will always be looked upon with gratitude.
Think and Pray: Let’s take this a step further. Imagine helping another man in this way who does not have a personal relationship with Jesus. He, too, will be incredibly grateful to you and will be even more open to your faith. You can have a direct impact on him becoming a disciple of Jesus. Lord, please show me who I can be discipling, both in their faith and in their career. Amen.
Chris Elledge is the CEO/Founder of Fahrenheit Mentoring. He has a passion for mentoring men. His goal is to encourage and challenge men to become authentic leaders in their families, the workplace, and in their faith communities. To learn, more visit: www.fahrenheitmentoring.org
