“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened,'” 1 Peter 3:13-14 states. //

So what happens when we’re chasing social acceptance instead of Him? We become cowardly doormats.

If someone is too concerned with everybody liking them, he is afraid to be honest with others. A successful Christian community can only be achieved when the interactions are active and genuine.

While we are obviously called to love one another, the Bible also makes it clear that tough love and boundaries are necessary. On that same note, truly respecting someone includes telling them what they do not want to hear once in a while if it’s intended to be helpful.

For the parents who are reading this, it’s important to make sure that your son understands the value of living his faith inwardly and outwardly, especially when he is a teenager and young adult. It’s no secret that we all struggle, but pretending those battles do not exist is dangerous in itself. As the older generation, parents and mentors have a responsibility to encourage younger believers to be vulnerable yet strong.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that church is a hospital and not a place to “be seen” and that salvation comes from Christ, not our friends.

If the men have no spine, the church won’t either. Christian men, let’s get off autopilot and start being present for God and the communities we serve.