Jesus the Alpha Male

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Jesus the Alpha Male – Relationship with your Brothers

Are you an Alpha Male?

Alpha Male – n – the dominant male animal or person in a group

In the natural world there are what we call Alpha Males; a leader of every pack, a dominant figurehead of the territory.

As men, we are taught or led by alpha males throughout our lives. Our relationships are shaped by this status. The definition above insinuates the make-up of the group determines who the alpha male is. We become the alpha when our value is increased and we relinquish the title when a more talented or suitable Alpha is present… but usually not without a fight. As a nature buff, I’ve watched interactions between males in the animal kingdom duke it out for rights, a status, and to catch the eye of some ladies (been there). They clash horns and antlers, tear flesh with their teeth and claws, and in some cases will end the life of their foe for the reward they seek. This King-of-the-hill mentality always ends with one on top, bruised and scarred with pride, and the other dead or wishing he was. It’s no coincidence that we’ve been hardwired through the generations to carry this desire to win at any cost to ourselves or others. So, where do we stand with our friends; our Christian brothers; the men in our church congregations? More importantly, what reward do we seek?

Where we think we stand on the alpha hierarchy will affect our relationships and keep division in our hearts towards each other. Wait! Why do we insist there be any hierarchy? In the bible there is only one Alpha, that’s God. So is it safe to say that Jesus is the Alpha Male? YES. Deny yourself and the temptation to control others. Yes, be influential and lead each other spiritually in good counsel, guiding your brother to the Cross in every moment and with every word.

1 Peter 5:2-5

“²Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

⁵In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Jesus is the Chief Shepherd! We are all shepherds to a flock whether family or friends. The crown of glory is our reward for watching over those in our care with humility towards each other. NOT “lording” it over each other! The authority is God’s; given to us over sin, over temptation, over the enemy! (Colossians 2:8-10)

When we accept and proclaim Jesus as our Savior, we are also giving him Lordship over our lives and thus saying he is our Alpha Male; the leader of our pack, the dominant figurehead of our territory.

Now, being in the right perspective, let’s examine our relationships.

Here are three simple truths to remember in your brotherly relationships:

All men are EQUAL… in the love from God, gifts from God (1 Peter 4:10), and authority in God’s Kingdom (Galatians 3:26-28)
Sin is EQUAL and forgiveness reigns over it all. (Colossians 1:13)
Our charge to one another is to RESTORE each other. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Here are three questions for you to consider in your brotherly relationships:

a) How can I better “fulfill the Law of Christ” mentioned in Galatians 6:1-2?

b) Have I ignored my brother’s burdens?

c) How do I restore my brother “gently”?

I’ll answer first for myself…

a) Be Patient in love, fervent in prayer, and LISTEN.

b) Too many times. I should seek them.

c) STOP JUDGING! Accept my brother’s situation (Romans 15:7) and carry his burdens. Judging one another begins a divide in the relationship, it breaks us apart. BUT, forgiveness, and the humility to accept and listen, begins restoration to unity.

In Practice for the trails ahead: