Last week we explored our tendency as men to be like Zorro. Our default setting as men is to be rugged individualists and masters of our own fate. However, God created us not to live in isolation but to have friends and live in community. The Godhead exist in constant community. And since God created us in His image and His likeness (Gen 1:25), we too are created to live in community.
Solomon, the wisest man in history, shares two word pictures which show how important friendship is. We find the first in the book of Ecclesiastes:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) NIV
This idea that two are better than one shows the strength of friendship. While we can function by ourselves, how much better is it when we have someone beside us? As Solomon points out when we fall, get cold or attacked how much better is it to have someone to help you than trying to do it by yourself. Two is better than one.
The other word picture is directed at men. As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17) NKJV. Solomon points out that part of the growth process of a man is developed within friendships with other men. As we interact with other men, dialogue about the joys and issues in our lives and challenge each other to be better me, we sharpen each other.
However like any functional relationship there are foundational principles that must undergird every friendship. Next week we will explore the first of these; self-awareness.