“A man’s spiritual life has its pivot point at thirty.” – Tertullian
This post is mostly about men in their 30s, whether you’re in this season of life right now, will be soon, or have loved ones who this is relevant to.
The reason I decided to speak to this specific phase in a man’s life is because as men in our 30s, we often find ourselves at a crossroads in life. We may be settling into a career, starting a family, or reevaluating our priorities. We may have achieved some of the goals we set for ourselves in our 20s, but we also may feel a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction.
If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. Many of us experience a sense of purposelessness or aimlessness as we navigate the challenges of adulthood. However, as Christian men, we have access to a powerful source of guidance and inspiration: the Bible.
So in this blog post, I want to explore the topic of finding purpose and meaning in your thirties, specifically from a biblical perspective. We’ll look at some of the key teachings and principles that can help us unlock our true potential and discover God’s plan for our lives.
Wasn’t Jesus Himself in his 30s?
It’s worth noting that Jesus himself experienced the challenges and opportunities of life as a man in his 30s. In fact, many scholars believe that Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 30, which means that he likely faced many of the same struggles and questions that we face today.
In Hebrews 4:15, we read that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.” This verse tells us that Jesus understands our struggles and challenges because he experienced them firsthand. He faced temptation, disappointment, and uncertainty, but he remained faithful to God and fulfilled his purpose on earth.
By recognizing that Jesus understands our experiences as men in our 30s, we can draw comfort and strength from his example. We can turn to him in prayer, seek his guidance and wisdom in the Bible, and trust in his promise to be with us always.
Ultimately, our goal as Christian men is to become more like Christ, both in our character and our actions. As we seek to follow his example and fulfill our purpose in life, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life that is centered on God’s plan and purposes.
Understanding Our Purpose
The first step in finding purpose and meaning in our lives is to actually understand the nature of our existence. As Christians, we believe that we were created by God for a specific purpose.
In Genesis 1:27, we read that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This verse tells us that we were created to reflect God’s image in the world. We were given the capacity for creativity, empathy, and moral reasoning, among other things, so that we could fulfill our role as God’s representatives on earth.
However, our purpose extends beyond simply existing as God’s image-bearers. In Ephesians 2:10, we read that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This verse tells us that we were created with a specific mission in mind, one that involves using our gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God.
Discovering Our Gifts
This might sound like a cliché to some of you but it’s true – to fulfill our purpose in life, we need to identify and develop our God-given gifts and talents. In Romans 12:6-8, we read that “we have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
This passage tells us that we all have unique gifts and talents that we can use to serve others and fulfill our purpose. Some of us may be gifted in leadership, while others may be gifted in teaching, service, or other areas. By identifying our strengths and interests, we can find ways to use them in service to God and others.
Living with Purpose
Once we’ve identified our gifts and talents, we need to put them into action. In Colossians 3:23-24, we read that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse tells us that we should approach every aspect of our lives with a sense of purpose and intentionality. Whether we’re at work, at home, or in our community, we should strive to use our gifts and talents to make a positive impact on those around us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our purpose, but we also demonstrate God’s love and grace to others.
Finding Fulfillment in Christ
Do you believe that Jesus is who the Bible says He is? The God-man who died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day? It’s incredibly important not to forget that our ultimate fulfillment and meaning can only be found in a real relationship with Christ Himself. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
This verse tells us that everything else in life, including our careers, relationships, and material possessions, pales in comparison to the joy and fulfillment we can experience in our relationship with Christ. By prioritizing our relationship with Him and seeking to grow in our understanding and knowledge of Him, we can experience a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
Simplicity is Powerful
It’s easy for men in their 30s to get caught up in the busyness and distractions of life and lose sight of their purpose and meaning. The complexity of life can become overwhelming. However, as Christians, we have access to a powerful source of guidance and inspiration in the Bible. This might sound oversimplified but it’s actually very powerful: by understanding our purpose, identifying our gifts, living with purpose, and finding fulfillment in Christ, we can unlock our true potential and discover the life that God has prepared for us. This is entirely possible for men who rely on the Lord and seek Him sincerely.
I hope that this blog post has been helpful to you in your journey of discovering purpose and meaning in your thirties. Remember, you are not alone in this, and God has a unique plan and purpose for your life. By seeking Him and following His lead, you can live a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
Thanks for taking the time and if this post has spoken to you, help me reach more people and share it with friends through email, or on social media.
Jeff Hagen
