• WANT TO MEET THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS BUSINESS EXECUTIVE?

• EVER FELT THAT SOMEONE HAS BEEN WATCHING OVER YOU?

• REGAINING YOUR SENSE OF PURPOSE

Regaining Our Sense of Purpose

By Jim Croft

page 1      page 2 

Most executives reach a point in our career journeys when we sense a loss of purpose.  This normally occurs after we have accomplished the majority of our vocational objectives. Our families are well provided for, we have accumulated all of the toys that one could desire and our golf game has stabilized at a handicap number that is likely frustrating.  In these situations many of us find that there is an inner voice whispering to us.  It says, “There has to be more to life”.  Wall Street Paradigm has some good news for you, there is more.  We have insights about your purpose that will increase your zest for living and our productivity in every aspect of life.

Similarities with Solomon

Surely, King Solomon of Israel was one of the most accomplished executives in the history of the world.  His quest for satisfaction led him into many creative exploits and pleasure seeking escapades. His ventures have similarities to that which many contemporary businessmen explore in our quest to find meaningful significance for our lives.  As a CEO Solomon attracted world acclaim through the trade and production schedules that he initiated.  In the arena of literature and music he authored thousands of poetic proverbs and songs.  As a botanist he wrote descriptions of various forms of plant life and gave lectures on animals as a zoologist.  He designed and built luxurious homes for himself₁. No matter how much revenue he generated and regardless of the accolades of intellectual genius that admirers offered, nothing satisfied the inner gnawing that told him that there must be more.  He then turned to extravagant parties featuring wine, women, and song₂.  He really overdosed in the womanizing department.  In addition to his seven hundred wives, he kept three hundred mistresses₃.  Even though the celebrities of the ancient world stumbled over themselves in pursuit of the favor of his company, he was left feeling empty.

Purpose discovered

He did not discover the purpose for his life until he sought God for answers₄.  He received revelations that have relevance for every executive who finds himself in a dilemma akin to his.  The truths that he uncovered are consistent with the teachings of both the Old and New testaments.  Solomon discovered that there are three factors within “purpose” that are inextricably intertwined.  The factors are:

·        contentment with one’s self,

·        contentment with one’s chosen profession and,

·        the understanding that we are pleasing to God.

The revelation that we bring God pleasure by simply being who we are and doing that which He designed us to do vocationally can satisfy the most restless of hearts with a perpetual sense of purpose₅.  The Westminster Confession conveys a similar concept.  “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

How it works

Man was created in the image of God to bring Him pleasure₆.  God is a Creative Workman.   One of His redemptive names is Jehovah Eloheim.  It is defined as, God the Eternal Creator.  He does not work because He is under pressure to provide for His loved ones.    He works because His divine nature finds an ongoing sense of satisfaction and purpose through creative accomplishments₇.  He deposited the same drive within us.    Our potential to resume enjoying our vocational pursuits and the fruits of our labors are conditional.  We must embrace the concept that Solomon discovered.  He found that it pleased God to see him pursuing his chosen vocation and enjoying his successes₈.  The understanding that he brought God pleasure being who he was and pursuing his interests gave Solomon the confidence that his life had perpetual purpose.  It was that revelation that brought peace to his soul after all of his busy investigations and his wanton sensual escapades.  It can do the same for us.

The value of an intangible goal

The reason that our satisfaction with tangible rewards wanes is because the Lord designed us in a manner that can only be satisfied by knowing that we have attained an intangible goal.  At the moment of our birth God set an eternal longing in our heart₉.  It cries out for a signal that we are pleasing to God and that we have His approbation.  The joy that we experienced through our various achievements and awards for excellence in our field was merely a pale foretaste of an infinitely higher form of joy.  The Bible defines it as a joy that is so full of glory that it cannot be adequately expressed through speech₁₀.  It is the joy of knowing that God has graced us to apprehend the goals in life for which we were created.  The longing for recognition from our Heavenly Father is so basic to being human that even Jesus needed it₁₁.  His Father spoke audibly to Him on three occasions assuring Him that He was His uniquely pleasing Son. The Apostle Paul mirrored the same desire and gained tremendous satisfaction when he got the message that God applauded his efforts₁₂.