The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? By Rick Warren
What is my purpose on Earth? This is often a question that I’ve asked myself and when I felt like I didn’t know the answer, when I felt like I would never know the answer, it was defeating. I felt purposeless. It wasn’t until I read this book- the book that changed my outlook on life, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This book defines our purpose as Christians- mine and yours. We can live a meaningful and fulfilling life if we live out the purposes that God has defined for us in the Bible. Colossians 1:16 tells us that we find our purpose in Him, but so often we look to the world; our job, our status, our money, our looks, all to find our purpose. The world calls us to live for ourselves, manifest what we want, live the life we dream of. But our life belongs to God. How can we live life from God’s perspective? We are made by a purpose, on purpose, for a purpose- for God’s purpose. Here are the 5 purposes the book “The Purpose Driven Life” states that we are called to live out.
1. Worship: Center your life around God
Worship is often associated with worshiping God through songs. When you go to church they often start with a time of worship where the band comes up and leads us in singing songs of praise. Although this is indeed worship, it’s not all what worship is. Worship should be our lifestyle. Everything we do should be and can be an act of worship to praise God. Rick Warren writes that we praise God when;
- We love Him
- We trust Him
- We obey Him
- We thank Him
- We honor Him in everything we do
What is the posture of your heart? Singing a worship song is not worship if your heart is not in a posture of worship. Is pleasing God the deepest desire of your heart? Honor and praise Him in everything you do- big or small. When you are cleaning your house- you can honor Him by taking care of the home He has blessed you with. Going to work and doing you job- you can honor Him by doing your work diligently, being a light to your co-workers and in your workplace and serving your customers or clients. Whatever it is, surrender your desires to God and do all things in His name and for His glory and live a life of worship.
2. Fellowship: Connect with believers
To be in fellowship is to share with others, belong in a community, serve your brothers and sisters and share in your suffering. We are called to love others as ourselves Matthew 22:39. Rick Warren says the best use of our life is love and the best expression of love is time. Let loving others be your greatest desire, because that is pleasing to God. Make time for others, be available. We live in a busy world with competing demands and priorities, but take a step back and reflect on what is taking up your time.
The author Bob Goff is a prime example of a believer who makes time for others. As busy as he may be, as a best selling author, Bob incudes his personal phone number at the back of his book to make himself available for others to chat. While balancing a healthy schedule, Bob ensures his life is a reflection of Jesus’. Listen to this podcast to hear how Bob demonstrates a life full of love to others.
We are meant to live this life with others and not in isolation. Community allows you to grow your faith as you see God moving in others’ lives as well as keeps you accountable. Community is a place to be vulnerable, open and honest and allow others to see you grow.
3. Discipleship: Created to become like Christ
We are called to be followers of Jesus. To follow Jesus, is to live like He did. To love, to give, to evangelize, to obey like He did. Through sanctification, we can live a life like Jesus. Christlikeness comes from the Holy Spirit working in you as well as the choices and commitments you make yourself. The choices you make lead to healthy and holy habits. The commitments you make effect the way you think. Romans 12:2 tell us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
God’s plan for us is good, regardless of whether it aligns with our own agenda. God’s plan is always better. Romans 8:28 says that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Everything that God allows to happen in your life is for a purpose or “Father filtered.” To follow God’s plans for our lives requires obedience. Just as Jesus obeyed God’s plan for His one and only son to be our saviour. Luke 22:42 reveals Jesus’ honest prayer to God but ultimately that He chooses to obey and follow God’s plan for Him. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Let us live in light like Jesus to show God’s love to others.
4. Ministry: Shaped to Serve God
Ephesians 2:10 tell us we are created to serve God, and we serve Him through serving others. Figure out what you love to do, what God gave you the heart to do and do it for His glory. Use your God given abilities and passions and start there- how can you apply these aspects to your community? Whether it be in your church, your neighbourhood, volunteering in your local shelters, whatever it might be, pray about where God is calling you to devote your time and gifts.
God shapes us for ministry through our spiritual gifts, our heart, abilities, personality and our experiences. Experiment with different areas of serving and find where you fit best. God created you with the talents and gifts you have intentionally. We make up the body of Christ and must work together to serve to fill the gaps that are needed in various areas of ministry. Serving grows your talents and abilities but most importantly, grows your faith.
5. Mission: Made for a mission
Jesus sent us on a mission, to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that [He] have commanded. Matthew 28:19
We are called to bring people to know Jesus, to bring them to be saved. Share God with others through your testimony. Practise and curate your story so others can hear how God has moved in your life. Share God’s love through your passions and experiences. Share the good news so that other’s can come to know how good our God is.
Live with purpose on purpose. We all have our unique assignments and purposes that God has chosen us individually for. However, these five purposes can give us meaning and fulfillment and lead us to fulfill God’s plans for us and others to do His good work and live for eternity.
