Why Men Withdraw
This Week's Theme: Friends to Keep
Jerry White
Thursday, March 29, 2001
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: A recluse is self-indulgent, snarling at every sound principle of conduct (Proverbs 18:1, NLT).
Bonus Reading:Isaiah 41:8-13
A business executive was discussing the dilemma of making friends because his company moved him so frequently. He'd experienced good friendships, but found it difficult to leave them. He said, "I finally solved the problem. I don't make friends anymore."
Another man began having difficulty at work and marriage strains at home. When he first brought up the issues to some close friends they either rebuked or ignored him. Trying to reach out left him discouraged, so he gradually withdrew from his friends, embarrassed at his perceived failures. He didn't want to discuss them or receive advice.
Other men begin to doubt, allow their spiritual disciplines to decrease, and slowly withdraw from God and His people.
The precipitating event in these situations could have been loss, sin, stagnation, or confusion. But the result is the samewithdrawal from people who can help and withdrawal from God.
Withdrawal rarely results from a conscious decision. More often it follows a series of small steps in the wrong direction.
Jerry White in Dangers Men Face Respond:
Have you taken small steps away from others? Renew contact with someone from whom you feel distant.
Thought to Apply:
If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone.
Samuel Johnson (English writer, 18th century)Adapted from: Dangers Men Face (NavPress, 1997). 1 of 1
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God, I need Your people to help me know You better. Give me courage to be honest and vulnerable.
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