When did that happen?  When did you decide that you were a man?  Who told you, and who gave you the rite of passage to manhood?

Many cultures have clearly defined rites of passage to manhood.  A ritual is observed—a celebration with the community, a mark on the forehead, or the fulfillment of a challenge confirms him.

In Western culture when a boy becomes a man, we mark small rites, such as when a boy gets a driver’s license, is eligible for the military, or is old enough to purchase alcohol, but we do not have spiritual rites of passage into manhood.  Marriage is considered by some to be the closest recognition of movement into manhood.  The definition of manhood in our time is confused.  When do we recognize a male as a man?

Our sons step into manhood without fanfare or celebration.  We don’t define it.  We don’t have set principles that govern what authentic manhood is.

“When the purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable.” —Dr. Myles Monroe

We are witnessing the inevitable abuse of manhood.  The last forty years has wreaked havoc on authentic manhood.  The feminization of men is displayed in a constant barrage of media imagery.  Almost every male represented on television is either a metro-sexual pretty boy or a slovenly buffoon. Every reality show has to have its token effeminate male.  It’s embarrassing.

This assault on authentic masculinity has a very broad impact.  I won’t go through the barrage of statistics that support my claims; suffice it to say that the destruction of authentic manhood is having enormous repercussions on society.  Some subcultures are already reeling from the loss of authentic man.  Fatherless children are being raised with the insecurities that come from the loss of identity.  Women are being left defenseless against the enmity that exists against them.  The economic decline caused by the loss of male integrity is immeasurable.

“Never remove a fence until you know why it was put up.” —Unknown

Boundaries are important.  The foundation of manhood is being redefined.  Unless we know why the male is a man, or what man is assigned to do or become, we will live abusive lives.  We may abuse our own bodies with addictions such as alcohol, drugs, or food.  We may abuse ourselves sexually and experience the degradation of our bodies through STDs or AIDS.  The frustrations of unknown purpose may cause us to abuse our wives and misunderstand the true value of the male/female relationship.

“For every mile of road there are two miles of ditch.” —Anonymous

Extremes take over.  We will either become obsessive chauvinists or emasculated weaklings.

But to discover purpose, you simply need to look at original intent.  Why did God create man?

Next:  Original Intent—Why God Created Man

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This article is an excerpt from the book Fivestarman—The Five Passions of Authentic Manhood by Neil Kennedy.  To learn more about Fivestarman or to order your copy of Fivestarman—The Five Passions of Authentic Manhood please visit www.fivestarman.com.

You are free and welcome to re-publish, re-post, and in general share this article with any and all, so long as you keep all credits and links intact. For reprint rights, please contact us at info@fivestarman.com.

When God created Man, he placed within him a deep reservoir of purpose. Flowing within that reservoir is a commodity worth more than gold. It truly is the currency of your life. If you can gain understanding of it, you will never again be concerned about the subsistence level of living – clothes, cars, and cottages. You will be able to focus on what really matters – which is the purpose of your existence as an authentic man.

This is what Jesus referred to when he said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Most men are in a constant struggle with simply meeting the needs and a few desires of their families. It’s an honorable step. It is also a basic requirement before going further into the purposes that you were created to do. However, don’t stop short. Once you’ve understood this level of achievement, it is time to move on to deeper currents.

The deep waters that Solomon suggests we have as men is an internal counsel which helps us formulate plans. You’ve recognized this counsel before when needing to make a decision and something deep within you whispers wisdom. Don’t let this take you by surprise. Embrace this inner counsel. You are being instructed by something more than your education or experience can provide.

In the book of Genesis, we are told of a river named Pishon that flowed out of the original garden. The name Pishon means increase. Within this river were precious materials like gold and onyx. But these precious items did not just flow into the hands of men, rather men had to dig deep into the river bed to harvest the increase contained within.

Tools for Digging Deep

Look Within

Stop looking outside of yourself to find your purpose. Study 1 Corinthians 2 for an understanding of the secret wisdom that God has for you.

Rid Yourself of Envy

No need to be jealous of what others have. God is a God of abundant resources and He has created you for good works. Ephesians 2:10 says that you are the workmanship of God. This should eliminate any competitive envy or insecurities that you may deal with.

Develop Your Skills

Understand that your potential is buried deep and is only useful if you draw upon it. Potential is unproven skill. Potential doesn’t pay the bills; skill does. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, “A dull ax means harder work. Being wise (sharpening your skills) will make it easier.”

Use This Reservoir For Personal Advancement

You may currently exchange your labor for an hourly wage or a salary, but until you personally understand how to tap into your real purpose you will never know the incalculable wealth God has placed within you. Draw upon these deep purposes to advance in all areas of your life.

An entrepreneur told me how he had lost a very lucrative patent due to failed legal diligence on his part. Rather than whine and complain about how he was wronged, he isolated himself on the shore of Mobile Bay and prayed, asking God for a new idea. He spent a considerable amount of time digging deep into his purpose. The idea came like a gusher – exploding out of his spirit. That single idea allowed him to employ hundreds of people with their own businesses and allowed him to deposit seven figures a month into his bank account.

George Washington Carver lifted a hand-full of peanuts into the air and said, “God, Creator of the heavens and earth, reveal unto me the secrets that you’ve housed in the peanut.” Carver went on to discover over 300 economically viable uses of the lowly peanut.

What do you have flowing deep within you? What is your personal currency?