A song writer from my youth asked the question, “What’s it all about, Alfie? Is it only for a moment we live?” At the time that tune hit the market it appealed to most of our young, searching minds, as a catchy tune that asked the question of the day – is there anything in existence worth hanging our life on, or should we just live it for ourselves?

It’s no surprise how our generation, or those to follow, answered that question; there’s no big picture with any meaning so we may as well live for ourselves, grabbing all the gusto we can get.

Do we need to remind ourselves that we have an enemy, and he intends to destroy us? (Rev. 12:17) He’s waging war against us, and one of his primary tactics is division and separation. Forty years ago the message was that there’s nothing of meaning beyond “me”, so I’d better well live it for myself. The result; every man – woman and child included – is left to figure it out, and make it for himself.

I absolutely detest that philosophy and refuse to buy the message of the world which comes against everything God teaches us. Genesis tells us that God created us in his own image, and He is not divided. The act of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection destroys any notion that mankind is only significant in and of himself.

I realize I’m treading on ground here that has heard immeasurable discussion regarding the soul. I don’t claim to stand shoulder to shoulder with ancient philosophers, nor accomplished contemporary theologians, but I’m convinced there is both an individual and collective soul that remains bound together because God breathed life into us. That life goes beyond the physical, or we would be nothing but another animal form. Does that seem all too familiar?

So, what’s it all about, Alphie? The world has answered – we’ll live for the moment. Generations of well-meaning men have provided for the physical needs of their children, made sure they were on well-coached athletic teams, encouraged them to be socially well adjusted – whatever that means – and facilitated their participation in church activities, when convenient.

The activity, the talk, yes the heart of this particular morning assures me there’s far more to this connection between the souls of men. After all, if God breathed it into us, it will take far more than sperm and a credit card to pass it on. Grandsons from four to sixteen are waking all around me to a new day. Like it or not, their day will be defined and tackled (or resisted) in direct relation to the men in their lives. Sad to say, for far too many youngsters (I include girls here, as well), their day will be defined by the absent men in their lives.

Face it, men, there’s a soul connection between us and our offspring. God breathed life into every one of us, and He uses us – dads, grandpas, and our spiritual brothers – to breathe life and vitality into the lives of our sons and daughters. Our breath is personal, it takes time and energy, and is fully capable of taking a powerful stand against the ways of the world and the tactics of the enemy.

This past August I was privileged to have two weeks with my son, Tim, and three grandsons. We shared life in our Alaska home, life in the circle of the men in our Cornerstone Church Body, and we shared life in the Alaskan wilderness. There’s no way I would pay anyone to try to take my place in this whole scene. These young guys are deeply rooted in my own soul, and I would do nothing to lose that connection or to risk their life here on earth, let alone their eternity.

Men, aside from our personal relation with our Lord, and the inexplicable partnership with our wives – if God has so blessed us – there is nothing in this world more worthy of our life’s investment than the souls of our sons and daughters. May they be the joy and vision of our day, as they are an awesome gift from God.

- Pastor John -