Men of God: Ancient Virtues for Modern WarriorsSample

Paul's Mission

“Living with Unwavering Purpose”

Paul's life was turned upside down in Acts 9:3-6 while he was on the road to Damascus. The man who once persecuted Christians became Christianity's most influential missionary. What's remarkable about Paul isn't just his conversion but his commitment to his mission afterward.

In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes from prison but his circumstances haven't changed his sense of purpose. He views everything—his religious credentials, achievements, comfort, and safety—as worthless compared to knowing Christ and completing his mission. "This one thing I do," he declares. His focus was on one thing alone.

As men, we often struggle with distraction and divided priorities. We feel pulled between career, family, personal interests, and spiritual growth. For me personally, there are so many things that distract me, and the interesting thing is that none of them are bad. What they do is take my focus off of the most important things. My mission is to tell people about God and His amazing plan for their marriage, and to do that well, God has to come first and then Nancy right behind. When I do that, it seems everything else falls into place.

Paul challenges us to find the "one thing" that orders everything else—the mission that gives us purpose.

For Paul, this wasn't just about him; it was about advancing God's kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 9:22 he wrote, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." He had this laser focused commitment to his purpose. Even facing death, Paul could say to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Reflection Questions:

1. What would you identify as the central mission of your life right now?
2. What "gains" might you need to count as loss to focus more effectively on your God-given purpose?
3. How might your current hardships actually be advancing your mission rather than hindering it?

Next Step:

• Pray daily for God to clarify your purpose and give you courage to pursue it regardless of obstacles.