A Man’s Voyage – Part Three
by Garret Barbush | President & CEO
In Matthew 22:34-38, Jesus says our greatest efforts should be focused on loving God. A relationship with Him is the first and greatest commandment. It is the bullseye—the center—the “Why.” It should be the single most important thing in our lives. The world tries to define our voyage by who we are as individuals, but Jesus shows us it’s about the holy, loving, all-powerful Creator of the universe. Jesus’ simple response gives clear insight into the voyage. Our greatest purpose is to love God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our minds. And our greatest joy and fulfillment will come from knowing Him deeply and being known by Him.
Commit to the Voyage
In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus speaks His last words to the men closest to Him. If you have ever watched a loved one take their last breath or listened to their last words, you know what a powerful moment this was for the disciples. Jesus doesn’t say, “Good bye.” He looks at the men who love Him and leaves them with a charge—“Make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything I have taught you.” Similar to the greatest commandment, the great commission is simple yet powerful. It helps us understand what should transpire when we are in true relationship with Jesus. The disciples had such deep, meaningful relationships with Jesus that they took this charge to heart. It was a serious matter. Loving Him and telling others about Him defined their voyage. The same holds true for us. If we are in a deep, meaningful relationship with Jesus, then we will take His charge to heart and dedicate our voyage to it.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 22 and 28 prove your true purpose is not rooted in what you do for a living or in the responsibilities you manage each day. Rather, your “Why” is simple—love God and make disciples! Your voyage should be focused on following the greatest commandment and living out the great commission. Aiming for these two things will drive you out of bed with passion and zeal each morning, leading you on a meaningful, influential, and adventurous voyage.
Anchor Down
Godly leadership and strength will only develop in your life when you focus first on why you exist—to love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Jesus says that loving God is the single most important thing you will ever do. You will only truly flourish when your relationship with Him is your top priority. Loving Him and receiving His incredible love for you must be the bullseye you aim for each day. Prepare to anchor down into your relationship with God.
Your Challenge – Take 10 minutes to journal and communicate to God. What is getting in the way of your TRUE purpose? Explain your past and present experiences with nurturing your relationship with God. What other beliefs, commitments or distractions have held you back from know Him better and being known by Him? Share your thoughts and responses with a friend, mentor or accountability partner.