THE PURPOSE OF A MAN
This teaching is focused on the purpose of a man; however, women can learn much from this lesson as well. When we do what God made us to do, we are fulfilled and happy. We will never be satisfied if we are living a life that is contrary to our true identity, design or calling. Men were made for giving. Their purpose is to serve, protect, provide and give. This applies to their time, skills, money, energy, tenderness, and strength. The more they pour out to bless others, the more fulfilled they are. Men can never be happy if they are self-absorbed, egocentric or constantly focused on satisfying themselves. The grumpiest men are those who do not give or those who have stopped giving. They might have a lot of toys, activities, money and indulgences, but those things can never satisfy; men were ultimately created to give everything away.
PERSONAL RECREATION
For sure, everyone needs personal recreation and personal accomplishments. Working hard in business, enjoying some entertainment, and being involved in activities that increase physical and mental fitness are essential for a healthy soul but these things should not be our priority. Our reason for living is to love, to give and to serve God and the people around us. Even in business and personal recreation, we should constantly serve others. A self-focused, self-absorbed man will hurt his family, his community and himself.
One of my Bible heroes is Caleb. He was a man who was always giving and always serving; this was the reason for his amazing success. You should read his story in Joshua 14 and 15. Caleb was chosen from among perhaps a hundred thousand men from the tribe of Judah to represent them as one of the 12 spies that went into the Promised Land. He must have stood out as being extraordinarily strong, disciplined, wise, faithful and serving.
God had promised the Israelites the land of Canaan. They traveled across the desert for 40 days and began preparing themselves for battle. Then a terrible shift happened. Of the 12 spies that searched out the land from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, only Joshua and Caleb were positive. The other 10 were fearful and voted not to press forward. Moses, their leader, was devastated. He could not proceed with the vast majority of the army and commanders against him. At that time, Moses promised Caleb the land he had spied out. It was the land of Hebron. Caleb said, “On that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly’” (Joshua 14:9).
After obeying a spirit of fear, the children of Israel went back into the desert where they wandered for 40 years, until everyone of that older generation died, except for Joshua and Caleb.
Caleb was 40 years old when he spied out the Negev, in the southern portion of Canaan. Forty years later the Israelites finally entered the land and five years after that, Joshua and Eleazar the priest drew lots and allotted land to each of the tribes. Caleb was 85 when he stepped forward to remind Joshua of the promise Moses had given him, so Hebron became his inheritance.
There were 3 Canaanite kings that ruled over the cities in the hill country which had been given to Caleb. He and his army conquered them and because of the victory, Othniel, his best general, married his daughter Acsah. The Spirit of the Lord was on Caleb and also upon his son-in-law Othniel. It was a generational blessing. Othniel became the first judge over Israel and under his anointing the land had peace for 40 years until he passed.
Caleb was always giving. He was always pouring out his life for God, his family and his people. Because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly, God prospered him and gave him amazing blessings. After Othniel and Acsah married, Caleb gave them the best land in the Negev, and it included the lower and the upper springs of water. This was more valuable than gold, seeing that it was for drinking and irrigation in the desert.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. The Scripture says that the land he had earned would be given to his children forever.
Perhaps you are like Caleb. He was skillful, strong, disciplined, wise, and tender and he was always extending his life and strength to bless others. Here are 12 attributes that you can aspire to be like Caleb:
- He distinguished himself and was therefore chosen.
- He believed in God’s Word to take Canaan.
- He had faith to see the positive when facing overwhelming obstacles.
- He was not fearful but courageous to press forward.
- He was patient and steadfast for 40 years in the desert.
- He served God’s people with extraordinary faithfulness.
- He was not independent but represented the tribe God assigned him to.
- He followed the Lord wholeheartedly.
- He was an amazing example for his children.
- He pressed in to receive his inheritance.
- He conquered the enemy to gain generational blessings.
- Everything he gained, he gave away to his children, much of it while he was still alive.
When a man becomes a great man and is seen with blessings, peace and generational accomplishments, it is not an accident. It is a result of a life spent fulfilling his God-given purpose. He has devoted his life to excellence, and he has learned to give away what he has gained. He is focused on serving God wholeheartedly and pouring out everything for his family and others. That man is a happy man. That man is admired and respected. That man is a spring of life-giving water that brings fatherhood and covering to many. That man is fulfilled and satisfied. With or without money, that man is wealthy. That man is God’s friend.
We pray our monthly teaching
devotional empowers & inspires you
to live a supernatural Christian life.
DR. PETER WYNS
Founder & President
Christian for Messiah Ministries
Pastor at Antioch International Church
Instructions in Righteousness is produced by “Christians for Messiah Ministries” (CFM). Dr. Peter Wyns is the President of CFM and the Head Pastor of Antioch International Church. He has served as a pastor for 54 years and ministered in more than 45 nations.
2 Comments
Pauline Bannerman July 20, 2023
Thank you so much for this amazing encouragement. God bless this ministry abundantly.
Tiffani Van Essen July 20, 2023
This really empowered me to be praying for my newest grandson. He is one month old and has been given the name Caleb. I have printed out the 12 attributes of Caleb, and am committed to speaking these over him.
Thank you for sharing!