10. Expect an Eternal Reward
Living a life of true manliness isn’t one of obligation or religious duty alone. God promises eternal reward for his disciples, and all things work together for good for any who love the Father and are called according to his redemptive purpose (Romans 8:28). The expectation of eternal reward undergirds the whole Bible, especially the New Testament. One such example is found in Matthew 5:12, where Jesus declares,
“Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven.”
In context, Christ speaks of when people will mock and abuse believers, and he declares that enduring hardships and persecution for the sake of righteousness will result in a heavenly reward. Additionally, the Bible often portrays heaven as a place of eternal joy, peace, and fulfillment. Revelations 21:4 describes it as a realm where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
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Furthermore, the parables shared by Jesus frequently emphasize the importance of investing in eternal treasures rather than earthly ones. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus advises, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Heaven, the eternal home, is where those who follow Christ will live forever, so men should do all they can to live for and invest in that eternal Kingdom.
While we have plenty of bad examples of men in our culture, from weak to overbearing, our world needs men like the Scripture describes. Men of true manliness infuse the example of Christ through their roles and responsibilities, bringing hope to our communities and the future. Through grace and encouragement, let’s support godly men in their calling.
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