gee whiz, I had fun tonight

Our newly formed men's discipleship group had our first meeting at an Atlanta Thrashers game tonight. We spanked the Sabres 5-0. One of the guys in the group owns great seats he uses for business purposes. His clients backed out tonight. Bummer for them...

The group is made up of some guys in the construction industry. Two concrete guys and two erosion control guys. They started the study group and asked if I would lead it. I, of course, said "Yes" simply because it was a way to help some guys that had been struggling spiritually and another that is on a spiritual quest.

The spiritual barometer for the group is: One follower of Christ that's just starting the growth process. Another is not a believer, but is intensely seeking spiritual things. The third is a Catholic dude that is spiritually sensitive, but I haven't had a chance to go much beyond that. Then there's me...a guy that thrives on making disciples.

Not only did we do some serious male bonding tonight, we also found out the reason that we all wanted to be a part of the group. That reason is that being in a macho industry doesn't make you a man. What makes you a man is the strength of your character. All of us have something(s) that we need to adjust in our lives. Our goal is to see that happen in this group.

So how did the four guys fare at the game? We all spent a ridiculous amount of money on Philips Arena food. None of the guys bought beer. The Catholic dude gave up beer for Lent. Two of the guys don't drink that much. Me...I'm a Southern Baptist again so that means drinking is verboten (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Seriously, "'You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But I reply, "Not everything is good for you." And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything'" (1 Corinthians 6:8, NLT).

I had fun tonight. It proves that you don't have to get hammered to have fun with the guys. It does, however, help if your team crushes their opponent.