In the past one week, I have been reading ‘The Pursuit of Purpose’ by Myles Monroe, in which he tries to surgically explain the purpose of the male species on earth and how to successfully attain it.
Monroe begins by acknowledging the confusing times the boy child finds himself in as the world around him keeps changing, during which gender stereotypes are dismantled with each passing day. Many people are struggling with the definition of a real man as roles that were previously a preserve of men are increasingly embraced by the female folk. Put in the mix the worldwide wave of female empowerment and the neglect of the boy child, and the result is increasing strife in families, societies and workplaces as men struggle to establish an identity.
Reading Monroe’s book prompted comparisons between his words and my life, including the previous struggles I have undergone to identify myself. As is customary for all humans, men love and want to be appreciated, which is not always the case. Perhaps, that’s why International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day and Day of the Girl Child receive more prominence than Father’s Day.
However, Monroe speaks of men as the foundation of the earth, without which everything else would crumble. A beautifully built house will usually get the plaudits on the basis of its visible structures, including windows, walls, colour and roofing. But the real reason such a structure stands strong is its foundation, which is usually hidden out of view.
This is the same case for men. Albeit hidden, a male species that is of integrity, purposeful and focused is a core ingredient for a stable and prosperous society.
Unfortunately, many men embrace counterproductive means to identify and pursue their God-given purpose. Alcoholism, illegal drug use, substance abuse, pornography, witchcraft and others are harmful ways of seeking our identity and purpose because you would be digging a dark abyss from which you can struggle so much to emerge.
The only person who can help understand how a product works is usually the manufacturer. That’s why a Mercedes owner will only take his car to a Mercedes specialist for repair and not a Toyota centre. In our case, as God’s creations, it is only Him who can show us our purpose and help us walk in accordance with it.
Fortunately, this is not rocket science. Once you have a yearning to know your purpose, simply approach Him in prayer and He who sees your heart will be faithful to reveal it to you. Read His word daily and He will speak to you and build your faith through the scriptures.
As you pursue your purpose, trust in Him and He will strengthen you day by day in your pursuit of purpose. It has been truly a Eureka moment throughout the week, and I pray that every distressed male soul out there may realise they are not in this world by accident but by design.
