Manly Men | God’s Picture

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Keith pocketed his knife and kicked at the curled wood shavings at his feet. “You know, I feel like those pieces right there sometimes,” he said. “Work, work, work and it all ends up in little useless fragments.” He held out his whittled stick. “Need a pointed stick? Real useful, huh?” Greg took the stick and ran his hand down its smooth surface. “Lots of uses for pointed sticks. Just ‘cause it’s not a table and chairs doesn’t mean it’s worthless. You still upset over not getting that job?” Keith kicked at more shavings. “Nah, I dunno. Getting tired of it all. I mean, what’s it all about, anyway? Why am I even here?”

Keith is not alone with his questions and frustrations. “Why am I here?” is the universal cry of the human heart. It’s a question that deserves an answer. God gives us one when we’re ready to listen. His word reminds us that life is not about us. We’re only parts of a bigger picture. We weren’t put on this earth to punch a time clock, party til we don’t care, or make ourselves reasonably happy til we die. That’s the recipe for emptiness. God created each of us with gifts, skills, and passions that fit into His big picture. We’re not the whole picture; we’re only part of it. Our efforts are not useless wood shavings if we’ve got the right goal: God’s plan. Hopelessness results when we think that the wood shavings are the picture. The daily grind is not all there is. God designed us for a higher purpose, an eternal purpose. When we work in harmony with Him, we find it.

Final Thought:

Manly men live every day for a higher purpose—their role in God’s bigger picture.

Prayer:

Father, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. I feel like Keith a lot of times. Help me discover your purpose for my life and give me endurance to keep going until you direct me differently. I want to press on in obedience toward your goal. Amen.