The Biblical Measure of a Man Isn't What the World Sees
Ephesians 4:11-13
[11] Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [12] Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. [13] This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
The measure of a man. I remember hearing that phrase for the first time 30+ years ago. It immediately intrigued me; I needed to know more. The man who used it was giving a gift to my dad, a painting with a biblical definition. Witnessing that moment was very moving. My dad was almost in tears, and so was the man my dad had helped. It's something I won't forget.
As followers of God, what is it that matters when defining a man? The heart. All else flows from that. Our desires, our work, our faith, our example—all start with where our heart is. You can't fake it.
It's really sad how quickly we judge based on the very shallow understanding we get from just a glance. That guy looks successful based on his nice car and the nice clothes he has on. Look how neat and respectful his children are, and his wife is beautiful. The crazy thing is, this happens a lot at church! The very people who should know better.
This example isn't focusing on the successful-looking man; it's focusing on the onlookers. I've led enough men's groups to know that it doesn't matter how successful you look—we all have problems. Physical appearance means absolutely nothing at any point of the spectrum. Even on the opposite side, where someone may look cool or is going for the bad dude look, it's all meaningless if their heart isn't surrendered to God.
I've grown to really dislike social media. If it's not trying to get me angry, it's trying to bring out every other sinful desire. Honestly, it's disgusting. Besides the worldly pull from advertisements and "news," it's centered around people only putting their best out for you to see. Look, my ministry is so successful. Look how I helped. Here is me handing this to someone in need.
Can good come from social media? I don't know, but what I do know is that if there can be good, it will start with someone with a heart after God being truthful—but that's not popular.
So what is the biblical measure of a man? A heart that wants to please God, a desire to spend time in His Word meditating, open and honest prayer between you and your Father, daily surrender of your plans and expectations, acknowledging your sin and accepting God's grace, and reflecting God's love by putting others first.
I've met gangsters with a heart after God who have powerful ministries. I've met extremely successful businessmen who deal with so much money I almost can't comprehend it and have powerful ministries. I've known ex-drug dealers who left that destructive life behind and went on to turn hearts toward God.
All that matters, and where it all begins, is surrendering your heart, desires, and life to God. The biblical measure of a man isn't what the world sees on the outside. It begins with the heart God sees on the inside.
That is the only measure of a man.
Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen
1 Samuel 16:7
[7] But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
