The 11 Greatest Fears Of Men In Their 40s

I am proud to be a man.  I’m not a chauvinist but I have learned to appreciate the unique wiring that men have.  I enjoy looking like a man, eating like a man, doing man-things, dressing like a man, and watching sports and action movies. 

And I refuse to wear skinny jeans.  If you’re a man wearing skinny jeans - Stop it.  Just stop it.  Take it from someone older, I’m doing you a favor.

I’m also totally against the feminization of our churches and culture as well as our attempt to create an androgynous society.  That approach is unfair to all, creates confusion in young people, and minimizes the unique wiring of women as well.

All that being said, the uniqueness of men also brings a unique set of issues and concerns.  As a soon to be 45-year-old, I have talked to other men for decades.  Here is my list of the 11 greatest fears that graying, balding, slightly over-weight, middle-aged men have. 

For the record, I have some of these but not all.  I’ll let you try to guess which ones.

1. The Fear Of Failure – Do I have what it takes?
2. The Fear Of Not Being Pleasing To God - Does God truly love and forgive me knowing the mistakes I’ve made?
3. The Fear Of Being Known – If people truly, I mean truly, knew the real me, would they still love me? 
4. The Fear Of Monday Morning – I know many men who truly despise their jobs.  Is it any wonder that the largest 6-hour block of time for heart attacks is Monday from 4 am to 10 am.
5. The Fear Of Not Finishing - What if I die early?  What about my wife and kids?  I have so much more I want to do.
6. The Fear Of Not Finishing Well – Am I going to die with complete integrity and no regrets?
7. The Fear Of Infidelity – Do I have enough character and strength to not destroy the lives of those I love by being with another woman?
8. The Fear Of Losing Their Family – Am I good enough that my wife would not leave me for another man?
9. The Fear Of Children Not Turning Out Well – Am I a good father?
10. The Fear Of Material Loss – Am I a good provider?
11. The Fear Of Insignificance - Does my life matter?  Do I make a difference to anyone?  What if I leave this world and no one cared?

Ladies, some of these fears may be your husband’s.  If so, a man’s performance is directly tied to his wife’s confidence in him.  Cheer him on!!!!

Men, does anything on this list apply to you?  Are there other fears you have?  If so, comment as it would be a great encouragement to other men who may be struggling with the same thing.

Your 40s is a decade when you just have to flat-out persevere.  Hang in there men.  You’re not alone.  One day at a time.  You can make it.  Your family is counting on you.

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