The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ~ 2 Timothy 2:2-3
Over forty-eight miles, 8,000 feet of vertical gain in two days of rucking and the second annual Men in the Arena Death Ruck was over. Finally! Every year a few more join our ruck team that has bonded by our own, blood, sweat, and pain. One of the men boldly shared, “This is my second favorite day of the year—second only to Thanksgiving!”
Suffering alone is isolation and bondage, but suffering with others is the glue that forges deep and lasting relationships. Men bond through mission. Mission often requested to sacrifice and pain. Manly relationships are welded in the flames of adversity.
Misery loves company.
In Shakespeare's play Henry V, we read a Saint Crispin's Day speech where Henry V urges his vastly outnumbered men to recall how England had historically inflicted great damage to the French. This speech was made famous by the phrase "band of brothers”, which is my go-to television series depicting 101stAirborne Division’s Easy Company who jumped behind enemy lines on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Here is the famous quote:
“From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered—we few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”
Read 2 Timothy 2:3 carefully. Read in the context of verse 2. Paul is calling men into leadership. He’s inviting them into suffering. Leadership and suffering go hand in a hand. Every man, not male, is a leader and every leader will make sacrifices for the betterment of those they love and lead.
Do hard things. Men do hard things. Do hard things with other men. Do hard things because being a man is hard. Manhood is the toughest thing you’ll ever do, but the easiest to surrender. Find a band of brothers and mentally, spiritually, or physically challenge yourselves.
Suffer on purpose. Embrace the suck of life by your own volition. Find a great challenge this year, partner with some brothers and go for it!
Suffering alone is isolation and bondage, but suffering with others is the glue that forges deep and lasting relationships. Men bond through mission. Mission often requested to sacrifice and pain. Manly relationships are welded in the flames of adversity.
Misery loves company.
In Shakespeare's play Henry V, we read a Saint Crispin's Day speech where Henry V urges his vastly outnumbered men to recall how England had historically inflicted great damage to the French. This speech was made famous by the phrase "band of brothers”, which is my go-to television series depicting 101stAirborne Division’s Easy Company who jumped behind enemy lines on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Here is the famous quote:
“From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered—we few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”
Read 2 Timothy 2:3 carefully. Read in the context of verse 2. Paul is calling men into leadership. He’s inviting them into suffering. Leadership and suffering go hand in a hand. Every man, not male, is a leader and every leader will make sacrifices for the betterment of those they love and lead.
Do hard things. Men do hard things. Do hard things with other men. Do hard things because being a man is hard. Manhood is the toughest thing you’ll ever do, but the easiest to surrender. Find a band of brothers and mentally, spiritually, or physically challenge yourselves.
Suffer on purpose. Embrace the suck of life by your own volition. Find a great challenge this year, partner with some brothers and go for it!
