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Finding Purpose Beyond Work
Scripture: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17 NIV).
Work, Identity, and the Question of Purpose
Over the years, I have seen many men retire and then rapidly begin to experience a decline in their health. They enjoyed their work, and the job became part of their identity. They felt the favor of the Lord was upon their hands in their work, particularly in their work and nothing else.
Now, once they are retired, they feel lost. If they don’t have to go to work, some will ask, “What is my purpose?”
A Man’s Deep Desires: Insights from Wild at Heart
In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge argues that every man deeply desires three things to feel truly alive and fulfill his masculine purpose: a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. These core needs are designed to help men move past passive “nice guy” stereotypes and embrace their strength.
He argues that men often seek validation in venues such as work. However, in each item listed below each man can fulfill his purpose in venues outside of work.
A Battle to Fight
Men need a purpose, mission, or cause that challenges them, allowing them to use their strength to fight against evil.
An Adventure to Live
Men need risk and challenge to test their spirit and strength, preventing the boredom that leads to stagnation and addiction.
A Beauty to Rescue
Men are driven to protect, cherish, and fight for a woman or something or someone vulnerable, offering their strength to make another’s life better.
Each of these activities are intended for a man to fulfill his masculine purpose.
A Broader Framework for Purpose: A Purpose-Driven Life
As I ponder on “purpose” my mind is drawn to another excellent book, A Purpose Driven Life by Rev. Rick Warren.
The book is intended to be read as a daily inspiration, with each of the 40 short chapters read on consecutive days. Each chapter contains a personal application section at the end with a “point to ponder,” a verse to remember, and a question to consider over the course of that day.
Rick Warren described his book as an “anti-self-help book.” The first sentence of the book reads, “It’s not about you,” and the remainder of the chapter goes on to explain how the quest for personal fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaning can only be found in understanding and doing what God placed you on Earth to do.
The book’s 40 chapters are divided into six major sections:
- What on Earth Am I Here For?
- Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure (Christian Worship)
- Purpose #2: You Were Formed for God’s Family (Christian Fellowship)
- Purpose #3: You Were Created to Become Like Christ (Discipleship)
- Purpose #4: You Were Shaped for Serving God (Christian Ministry)
- Purpose #5: You Were Made for a Mission (Christian Mission)
In later versions of the book, two additional chapters were added about the two biggest reasons why Christians do not live purpose-driven lives: envy and “people pleasing.”
Integrating Both Perspectives
Rev. Warren lays out several purposes for men in all stages of life. Each of the three things that Eldredge mentions that men need can feed into the five purposes identified by Rev. Warren.
For example, I have a young lady in my life that I adore. She is my “Beauty to Rescue.” I am driven to protect, cherish, and fight for her because she is valuable in my eye. She is my Proverbs 31 and “brings me good, not harm.”
A Call to Action
I encourage all men to buy these books and pray how the message of each book can be applied in their life. I pray that all men find their purpose and that the favor of our Lord be upon that work.
In addition, I encourage all men to consider male-only retreats such as “One Life To Life,” which are designed to help men identify and craft a plan to truly execute their life purpose with success.
I pray that all men find their purpose and that the favor of our Lord be upon that work.
Prayer
Dear God,
We know that we are each unique members of the Body of Christ, but we sometimes struggle to find our identity. Help us find our battle to fight, our adventure to live, and the beauty to rescue. And God help us to find our purpose in worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission. We seek to glorify you with Your work that builds up our families, churches, and the world.
We pray all of these names in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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