The idea of investing in and building significant relationships is difficult for many men, if not almost a foreign concept.  Why is this?

Maybe it is because we spend the majority of our time working towards and believing that our most significant contributions relate to being warriors/protectors and providers. 

Many of us respond quickly and heroically if our families need protection or if there is any kind of “enemy” that needs to be slain (broken toilets, bullies or barriers).  We take seriously our responsibility to provide food, clothes, shelter and as many “extras” as we can.

All of this can be well and good, but for many of us it wreaks havoc with relationships.  We question the need or don’t have time for significant relationships because we feel it takes all of our time and energy to be the best providers and warrior/protectors we can be.  But, is this right?  Is this God’s design for men?

As men of God we need to wrestle with His Word and specifically Christ’s teaching on the two greatest commands found in Matthew 22:37-39;
1. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”.
2. “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Jesus teaching clearly puts the highest value on relationship.  As men of God we must take this seriously and wrestle with our response to these commands.  If I truly want to be the man, the husband, the father, the friend that God wants me to be, I must be in relationship with the people in my life.
• Seek God first - cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the Lord.
• Strive to love my family and God loves me.
• Desire to love my “neighbors” – all those people God brings across my path and into my life.

Love is relationship first and foremost.  Break down that barrier and I believe we will begin to live the abundant life. 

Oh, and if you are worried about that son of yours, love him.  Really love him.  Spend time.  Talk with him.  Build a deep relationship by showing him you care about him as a person and you are interested in the things he is interested in.  Show him how to love…the Lord….himself….others.  It will change you and it will change him…forever.