by Dennis Allen
I think I sort of always knew what God had in mind for me. But being an only child, preacher’s kid makes a boy pretty hardheaded. Growing up in a pastor’s house, literally next-door to the church, I was immersed in the language and teaching of Heaven. But finding the connection between those Truths and my personal calling from God took some time.
So, here I sit in my mid-60s, thinking about what has been and what is to come. It is my desire that these next few sentences will be an encouragement to you and cause you to aggressively seek God’s purpose, His best for your life.
The wonderful writer Mark Twain made this statement: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
For me, I don’t really think it was one “day” that I found out the “why” I am on this earth. It was more of a journey, through years, through relationships, through opportunities, through disappointments. As is so regularly the case, the Lord used all of this to show me His will and the path He wanted me to follow. I am pretty sure that will be the case for you also.
I don’t have a clear recollection of all my scholastic endeavors, but for some reason I remember bits about Aristotle, especially his perspectives on happiness. His writings were actually pretty complex, but one of his points, which really stuck with me, is that happiness cannot be completely appreciated until the end of your life. In other words, once you get older and look back, you can better know and appreciate the things that truly brought happiness throughout your life. I guess when we are in the “thick of things” it is hard to know if we are happy or not.
The Psalmist had a few things to say about happiness also. In the very first Psalm we read: “Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners, and do not join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord.” (GNT)
God truly wants us to be happy in life. It seems the Psalmist is reminding us that if we keep our heart and mind focused on God’s Word, then we will find happiness…and at the same time find our purpose for being here.
Over the almost 45 years that Nan and I have been married, I have served as a local church music leader, as a music publisher employee, as a free-lance writer/arranger, and now as a university professor. At first glance, those seem a bit disconnected. But there is a connecting thread…focusing on other people.
Being honest with you, I didn’t feel “happy” about some of these transitions. But after a time, when I looked back (thanks, Aristotle), I saw how the Lord was working out His purpose for my life. I then experienced something I wasn’t necessarily expecting…happiness. God wanted me to follow HIS calling on my life…working with people. Each of the jobs I’ve had was not my purpose, they were a vehicle the Lord gave me to fulfill my purpose…serving His people.
In the local church, it is imperative that our lives are concentrated on others and not ourselves. As you plan worship services, rehearsals, ministry of any kind, you are a servant. Your tastes, your opinions are second to the needs of others. So, you should certainly ask the question “what music will minister best to my congregation?”
When music publishing/writing is your task, it is again critical to think about the people for whom you are writing. Everything you do needs to focus on the audience before you. The success of your writing/your business will indicate how well you have achieved this goal.
And now, as a teacher, my focus is on my students. They are entering a world unknown, at least to some degree. They need education, for sure. But even more they need to learn how to achieve this “happiness” we’ve been talking about. A career is something to work towards, for sure. But even more important is a life focused on trusting God “with all your heart” and “leaning not to your own understanding.” This wonderful Proverbs 3:5-6 verse is one of the first ones I remember memorizing in church. But Proverbs 4:23 is also important: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)
You want to know why a man does what he does? Look at his heart. Your life’s purpose and happiness will come from “where your heart is.”
So, to bring these thoughts to a close, I want to encourage you. Life will be a combination of ups and down, whether it’s your job or your family or whatever. So to find out why you are here on this planet, I advise that you look to the Solid Rock, the Sure Foundation…God’s Word. Following it will lead you past the good days, and the bad days, to the creator of all your days.
Your lifelong search for purpose will be found not in a job, or even in your family, but rather in a personal, intimate, relationship with Jesus Christ. Sounds kind of simple, doesn’t it? Well, you’ll be happy to know…it is.
Dennis Allen lives in Cleveland, GA, where he serves on the music faculty of Truett-McConnell University as Associate Professor of Worship and Church Music. For nearly 40 years, he has also been a freelance music writer, arranger and orchestrator. In collaboration with his wife, Nan, they have written and produced hundreds of songs, drama projects, musicals and collections for children, students and adults. They are also three-time winners of the GMA Dove Award for Musical of the Year. For more information, visit www.dennisnan.com
