We often have many casual acquaintances. And perhaps a meaningful sense of belonging is forged when we gather with a company of men. But we also need a few good men who will fight alongside us in the daily realities of life. We need friends at the level of the fireteam.
The military is organized into several levels of operation. And the smallest unit is the fireteam, typically consisting of four or fewer members. And while there’s certainly a sense of place as part of a larger military operation, it’s one’s fellow men on the fireteam that mean the most in the heat of the battle. And the same is true for us throughout our life.
To be sure, it’s great to participate in men’s ministry and small group events, as well as to have a few guys to talk shop with or to watch a game. But we also need our fireteam – two or three other guys we can call at 2AM when life as we know it has been turned upside down.
These are the guys who are downrange with us as we navigate the ups and downs of daily life. For instance, these are the ones who will have our back when we hit rock bottom personally, we lose our job, or our marriage starts to crumble. They’re also there for the birth of our children, starting our own business, and celebrating the milestones of our marriage.
Whatever it looks like, the good, the bad, and the ugly, these are the guys we do life with. And they are our lifeline. Evil is in a better position to take us out when we go alone, and we’re essentially alone when we only have guys to connect with casually on Sunday morning or the occasional men’s breakfast.
In the end, enjoy connecting at every level. But find a few good men who will also have your back throughout the ups and downs of life. Your fireteam is critical to fully realize the good God has called you to advance.
