Are You Ruderless?

“True happiness is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” – Helen Keller

A rudder is a small, flat component attached to the stern (rear) of a boat or ship. The rudder is a small but vital piece of equipment. Without it, the captain has very little or no control over the direction of travel. In his book, The Path to Purpose: Helping Our Children Find Their Calling in Life, William Damon notes that about 25% of young people aged 12 to 22 are “ruderless.” They have little or no direction in life and are at serious risk of never fulfilling their potential. They’re adrift.

Another 25% have goals but have taken few if any steps toward achieving them. Approximately 31% have actively tried several pursuits without knowing why they’re doing so or whether they’ll continue to pursue these interests in the future. Only 20% have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish in life, why, and have realistic plans.

The good news is that young and older people have a purpose and a calling and they can find it by seeking the God who seeks them. The psalmist wrote, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever” (Psalm 138:8 ESV). The world promises great things, but the way of the world fails to deliver. Jesus Christ offers the hope for which we’re looking. As we learn and live God’s purpose and calling, we can discover the deep meaning and fulfillment in life only God can give.