Relevant Life

As men, it can be hard to figure out our purpose. That’s why so many of us pour ourselves into our jobs, our hobbies, or other pursuits—trying to find meaning in what we do. But Jesus declared that there are two commandments that reveal our ultimate purpose.

Let’s read together from the Gospel of Matthew:

Scripture Reading – Matthew 22:36–40

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in Moses’ Teachings?”

Jesus answered him, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

This is the greatest and most important commandment.

The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’

All of Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Having a relationship with God is vital. We are commanded to love Him with everything within us—our heart, our soul, and our mind. And then, we are commanded to love our neighbor.

Our divine purpose is wrapped up in these two commandments: to love the living God and to love the people around us. Now, in our culture, that may not sound “manly.” But showing godly love to the world around us is the very essence of strength.

Our importance comes when we put God first. John the Baptist said it best: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” When Christ is elevated in our lives, our true importance is revealed.

If you put your importance in worldly things—your career, your possessions, your status—you will always come up short, left holding an empty bag. But when God is first, you begin to understand your purpose in Him.

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Scripture Reading – 1 Peter 2:9

“However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

That’s powerful. You are chosen. You are called. You belong to God. And your importance is found in declaring His marvelous light.

So how do we find our purpose in God? Let me give you some practical steps:

•Humble yourself before Him. Recognize there is someone greater than yourself.

•Pour your whole life into Him. Love Him and worship Him with everything you have.

•Be engulfed in prayer. Make prayer the rhythm of your life.

•Demonstrate His love to others. Love your neighbors as yourself.

•Keep the greatest two commandments. From these, your calling will be revealed and will flow naturally.

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Closing Thoughts:

Your importance isn’t found in what the world says about you. It’s found in who God says you are. A chosen people. A royal priesthood. A holy nation.

So today, let’s commit ourselves to loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind—and loving our neighbors as ourselves. That’s where true importance is found.