A Young Man After God’s Own Heart

One summer I traveled to Australia as a part of a team conducting leadership conferences for pastors. Australia is an incredible country. It is vast in size and the home of some of the strangest animals in the world—including kangaroos, koala bears, dingos, and wallabies.

The trip was one of those extreme adventures that don’t come along very often! Our group was scheduled to conduct conferences in the four major cities. Plus we wanted to see the sites we had always heard about—the “outback” country and the Great Barrier Reef, to name a few. Because there was so much to do, this was going to be a fast-paced whirlwind of a trip indeed!

Our first conference was in Brisbane, Northern Australia—a truly awesome city! It basks in a pleasant semitropical climate. Palm trees line the streets, and pineapples grow in the fields along the roads leading to the country. And there are plenty of sandy beaches with terrific waves for surfing!

While staying in Brisbane, I heard a lot about the Great Barrier Reef. It is famous among divers and snorkelers the world over because of its crystal-clear blue waters. This famous reef extends some 1,260 miles along the northeast coast above Brisbane, and its width varies from 10 to 90 miles wide. This massive barrier was produced, strangely enough, by tiny sea creatures called coral. These little animals live and die in colonies which, over the centuries, have built this amazing reef, parts of which are hundreds of feet deep.

Now, the Great Barrier Reef doesn’t look alive. But experts say that this astonishing reef is alive! In fact, it is growing even now as these tiny organisms live and die. Therefore, I accept and marvel over the fact that the reef is alive.

In a similar way, the Bible is amazing, too! At first glance, it looks like any other book. The pages have black ink on white paper, like the newspaper or the TV guide. And yet there is something very different and very alive and powerful about the Bible. Why is the Bible unique?

Claim #1—The Bible claims to be the Word of God—“All Scripture is God-breathed”—which makes it the ultimate source for learning the ways of God—it “is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Claim #2—The Bible claims to be true and never tries to justify its statements. You would assume that if the Bible is God’s Word to us (Claim #1), we could also be assured of its truthfulness to us. That’s what the psalmist concluded—“The law of the LORD is perfect” (Psalm 19:7). So, we can trust the Bible to give us correct advice for life and living.

Claim #3—The Bible claims to be alive. Consider this amazing statement: “The word of God is living and active.” How alive is it? “Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

With claims like these, shouldn’t you and I listen up and pay attention? Shouldn’t we be at least a little curious about what the Bible has to say about life and our priorities?

No other book has the same effect on a person as the Bible! You can read books on any subject and receive information that will help you in one way or another. But when it comes to the heart and soul, only the Bible can bring true and lasting changes. I know that when I read the Bible, my life is transformed. I think differently. I act differently. I talk differently.

More importantly, if the Bible is God’s own word—and if you and I want to live as men after God’s own heart—then there’s no better place for us to go for answers. Wouldn’t you agree? God wrote the Bible to tell us about His love for us. And in it He shows us how we can enjoy a real and meaningful relationship with Him.

And I repeat—God wrote the Bible to let us know how we, as men, can best live our lives. In His Word He gives us His list of priorities that leads to successful and victorious living.

So…if your desire is to be a man after God’s heart (and I believe you do or you wouldn’t be reading this book, for sure!), then you’ll want to learn what His plan for your life is. And you know what that means! You will need to take some time to read your Bible. It’s God’s Handbook for Real Men!

Have you ever thought about what your life would be like if you failed to grow physically into an adult man? Does that sound like your worst nightmare? It sure does to me! So like me, you would naturally consider this to be a serious tragedy. And equally tragic is a Christian young man who is not growing spiritually or whose spiritual growth has been stunted. You see, God expects you to grow spiritually as well as physically. In the Bible, growth is seen as a naturally occurring by-product of life in Christ. In fact, you are commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The writer of the book of Hebrews also assumed that with the passing of time his readers would grow to the point where they could be teaching others the basics of God’s Word. But he had to rebuke his readers because they failed to grow (Hebrews 5:12). As I said, spiritual growth should occur naturally for those in Christ.

I love to run. In fact, I’ve been a runner since high school. Well, one bright sunny California Saturday, I decided I would see just how far I could run. So off I went running…five…ten…fifteen miles…. It was at the 15-mile mark that I figured it was time to head for home. One reason was because my running conditions were no longer very pleasant because the early morning sun had turned into the oppressive heat of midday.

Another reason was because I hadn’t taken any water with me on the run, and no water fountains were stationed along the way. So I was beginning to crave water, the essential element for life. By the time I was within a few miles of home, all I could think about was water, water, more water, lots of water! My body ached for that life-giving substance. As I staggered into my house after 21 miles, I was truly panting for water.

Friend, the desire I had for water during that long-distance run is the kind of thirst we are to have for God’s Word. Our physical body knows that it cannot function without physical water. So, too, our spiritual life should realize that it can’t function without the “living water” of God’s Word. The psalmist described this craving for God in this way:

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Psalm 42:1-2).

Do you have this kind of craving for God and His Word? Just as water is the only substance that can relieve your thirst, God’s Word is the only substance that can satisfy your spiritual thirst and ensure your spiritual growth. Only God’s Word can give you strength in times of trial. And only God’s Word can give you clear direction when you’re trying to sift through the chaos of your busy life and juggle your schoolwork, family life, church activities, and any sports, music, or other special activities you might be involved in.

And here’s good news! When it comes to spiritual growth, God does not leave you completely on your own. God’s Spirit, who lives inside every believer, gives you the desire and the power to grow. Jesus promised that the Spirit will always be your Guide and your Helper (John 14:16-17,26).

So, with Christ, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit, God has given you all you need for spiritual growth. Now ask yourself—is the craving there? Why not satisfy it by spending more time with God in His Word?

As you read this book, I want your hunger and thirst for God to become more intense. I want your desire for His Word to turn your life into an extreme adventure of following after God’s own heart. But the question is, Do you have those same desires?

I know you want to be all that God wants you to be. How do I know this? Because I don’t believe you would still be reading this book if you didn’t desire to please God with your life. I know, too, that you want to grow physically and to be as strong and athletic as possible. Every guy does!

And I also believe you want to be as spiritually strong and mature as you can be. So how can you move out in this direction? By starting with four choices. Each one of them is yours to make.

1. Make a choice to meet with God—God isn’t going to make you spend time with Him. No, you get to make that decision! So you’ve got a serious choice to make if you want to meet with God.

Think about this: How much time do you spend playing video games, watching TV, surfing the Internet, or hanging out with your friends? Why not take some of that time and choose to spend it with God?

2. Make a choice to meet with God first thing each day— You want to grow spiritually, right? Then do your spiritual push-ups and work out with God each morning. Read His Word—His Manual for Real Men. And pray—talk things over with your Commander-in-Chief.

My son-in-law is a Navy officer on a nuclear submarine. And there is hardly a day he doesn’t have to get up by 4:30 AM. Getting up early is part of what men do. So don’t you think you could start your day off with God by getting up just a few minutes earlier each day? It’s good training for life, and it will make a difference in you.

3. Make a choice to deny yourself for God—The Christian life is one of willing sacrifice and commitment. It’s like this: The whole world is saying, “Are you a Christian? Then prove it!”

So what lesser-important activities would you willingly scale back or give up in order to gain something greater, to grow in your spiritual life? Would you be willing to…

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Are you up for the challenge? If you are, I guarantee it will turn your life into an extreme adventure!

4. Make a choice to say yes to the people of God—One of the best choices you can make is to be around other Christians. Why would I say this? Because it’s like playing a sport or studying with someone who is more advanced than you are. You get better when you associate with those who have a passion for what they are doing, who are seriously committed to what they are doing.

And that’s how it is when you are around other committed Christians. Their passion and commitment and zeal for God rubs off on you. It spurs you on! It challenges you, drives you, improves you, brings out the best in you. It helps make you all that you want to be.

…say yes to your youth leaders when they ask who wants to meet one-on-one or in a small group.

…say yes to camps and retreats where you will get great teaching and focused direction from godly leaders (not to mention all the new friends you will make).

…say yes to every opportunity to be with other young people who are also committed to the things of God.

What’s remarkable about spiritual growth is the way it impacts every area of your life. Not only will you be pleasing God and maturing as a Christian man, but you’ll also have a significant and positive effect on those you come in contact with. Do you realize how many people you cross paths with each and every day? You have contact with hundreds of people—people whose lives you can positively influence if you are growing spiritually.

So are you up for it? Are you up for the adventure of an all-out effort for Christ? Are you ready to move forward on the path to spiritual growth…or to step it up a notch? And are you ready to see what will happen to you and all those you will meet along the way?

What is your heart saying? Are you listening to it, to God’s message to you? Remember, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Here’s a heart checklist to see if you are ready to embark on God’s ultimate adventure for your life:

Do you want to be a strong, maturing man of God? Then take care of first things first. Develop a closer relationship with God by praying, by reading of His Word, and by obeying His commands.

Do you want to be a good son? Then (again) spend time with God in His Word and in prayer, and He will give you everything you need and teach you everything you need to know about how to live out this major role of responsibility in your family.

Do you want to be a good friend? Then cultivate a friendship with God. This contact with your Father and Friend in heaven will give you the wisdom to be a good friend to others and to make a positive impact on them.

Do you care about the spiritual life of your friends? Then strengthen your relationship with God. That will allow the Spirit of God to work through you and help you to point others to Him.

Do you want your life to count? Or asked another way: Do you want to be all that you can be? Then make God the Number One priority of your life. Put God first in each of your todays, and then all of your tomorrows will count in life and in eternity. All it takes is a desire to do God’s will.

Do you have this kind of desire? As I said earlier, I’m one person who believes you do! I believe you are ready to tell God of your fresh commitment—or your renewed (or deepened) commitment to grow spiritually. I believe you are ready to begin that extreme journey that will ensure that your life does count.

Why don’t you pause right now and talk to God? Thank Him for giving you the strength and desire to join Him on the fantastic journey ahead.

Tough Decisions for Today

Did you choose a time to be with God? What time? If not, begin your extreme adventure right this minute by making this important decision. Do it now. Then pick a place. What items do you need to set out on your journey with God?

Did you know that you can read through your Bible in one year if you will give it just 12 minutes a day? Will you give God 12 minutes today? Tomorrow? I have included an “Extreme Spiritual Workout Schedule” in the back of the book. Find today’s date and read that portion of the Bible. How long did it take?

Is there an older guy or a youth leader at your church who can work with you one-on-one? Will you give him a call today? Like every Navy Seal, you need a “buddy” to team up with.

The Cutting Edge

Present yourself to God as one…who correctly handles the word of truth.

—2 TIMOTHY 2:15

Read Psalm 1:1-3. List all the actions and decisions made by a man who desires to grow spiritually. Then describe the spiritual health of a man who is following after God. Are there any changes you need to make today?

Read a similar description of spiritual health and growth in Jeremiah 17:7-8. What is spiritual health based on in verse 7? How is this person’s condition described in verse 8?

What do these two passages teach you about your own spiritual health? About any changes you need to make?