Guys are not relational creatures by nature. I believe Ron Swanson said it best.[1]

“I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes.”

It’s true isn’t it?

We’re not by default good at relationships.

If my church is anything like yours, women’s events are well-attended while men’s events struggle a bit more. And it’s not that we don’t like each other; it’s just that we’re not all that into each other.

So as we’ve been talking the past few days, this is yet another reason to be INTENTIONAL.

You will not accidentally gain the following types of friendships.

Everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy.

Three different types of relationships every many should have in his life. A teacher/mentor, an encourager, and a mentee. This is of particular importance as you grow away from the grip of pornography & lust.

Today, let’s focus on Paul.[2]

Born Saul, Paul wrote much of the New Testament. He was a very intelligent, passionate man who at first persecuted Christians but then after a radical conversion (Acts 9), became one of the Early Church’s foremost teachers.

And that’s what you need in life. You need a Paul. Your Paul is going to be someone that is your mentor & teacher, someone who is further on their Spiritual journey toward Jesus than you are and someone you learn from.

I would in fact argue that you need 2-3 Pauls in life.

Further, I would argue that you don’t need to personally know all your Pauls. I regularly listen to the teachings of a handful of pastors that I’ve never met. But I know they’re theologically sound based on what I’ve heard directly from them and heard about them from other Pauls in my life.

In addition, you need to have regular contact with one of your Pauls. This could be a pastor or counselor or family member. Someone that you can talk with about personal details, including the struggle you’ve had with the topic of this devotional. This person needs to be able to weigh in on who you are and help you as you navigate life.

Thoughts to Journal/Pray:

1. Who is your Paul? What qualifies them & what regular dialogue do you have with them?
2. How can you strengthen the number of Pauls in your life? How can you know who you should be listening to & who you should be cautious of?

Reading:

Acts 9:1-31