ME vs. WE: What Kind of Man Are You?

Packers legend Vince Lombardi knew individual excellence matters most when everyone pulls toward the same goal. Bo Schembechler's famous locker room speech boiled down to one message: THE TEAM. THE TEAM. THE TEAM.

Sadly, today's world often forgets the TEAM and puts ME ahead of WE. As Christian men, the best husbands, fathers, leaders, and friends understand that success isn't about getting credit. It's about helping others succeed.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” — Philippians 2:3–4

Drawing on Paul's words to the Philippians, today's Fist Bump challenges each of us to honestly consider: Are you a ME player or a WE player?

Every so often, we should ask ourselves two questions:

• What's in it for ME?

• What can I do to help US succeed?

The first question is about ME. The second is about WE.

Which one drives you?

Living in a ME-Focused World

Men, we live in a ME-focused world, and social media has only amplified it.

It's about how we look, how many likes we get, what we post on Facebook or Instagram, and sometimes even the brands we wear or the cars we drive.

Hey, look at ME!

From childhood, we're taught to be independent, competitive, and self-reliant. Those qualities aren't necessarily bad. But when taken too far, life becomes about what I want.

ME first. Everyone else second.

We're not pointing fingers here. We get caught up in the ME world too. In fact, we talk about this challenge often and try to hold each other accountable.

The I vs. WE Challenge

Men, here's a simple challenge for this week.

Notice how often you say “I.”

I did this.

I decided that.

I built this.

I accomplished this.

Hey, look at ME.

Now think about how often you focus on WE.

WE accomplished this TOGETHER.

WE worked through this problem TOGETHER.

WE couldn't have done it without each other.

Or better yet, try saying: “I couldn't have done this without YOU.”

Think about how powerful those words can be to your wife, your kids, your coworkers, or a friend.

Men, this isn't just about changing our vocabulary.

It's about changing our hearts.

It's about modeling Jesus in how we live, lead, serve, and love others. Everything we have is a gift from Him, and He places people in our lives for a reason. When we focus on WE, we strengthen each other.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

WE Requires Humility

Let's face it, guys. Most of us like being right. We like being in control. And we like things done our way. Whether it's in business, marriage, friendship, or family, we can become so focused on getting our way that we forget how much our relationships matter.

But Jesus showed us a different way.

He led through humility. He served others. He put love ahead of recognition.

That's the example we're called to follow. And it's a good reminder that being a strong man isn't about making everything about ourselves. It's about using the gifts God has given us to lift others up.

We'll close with a verse that hangs front and center in our office:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Putting WE Into Action This Christmas

This is a great opportunity to put this week's message into action and make a meaningful difference in others' lives.

More information on how you can get involved is below.

Men, we appreciate each of you and pray regularly that God will meet YOU right where you need Him most, every day.