The Purpose Driven Life Part 16

When G.o.d's at the center of your life, you wors.h.i.+p. When he's not, you worry.

Of course, our lives must support and validate the message we communicate. Before most unbelievers accept the Bible as credible they want to know that we we are credible. That is why the Bible says. are credible. That is why the Bible says. Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ." Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ."

What will be the community community of of my life? This is the question of my life? This is the question of fellows.h.i.+p. fellows.h.i.+p. How will you demonstrate your commitment to other believers and connection to the family of G.o.d? Where will you practice the "one another" commands with other Christians? To which church family will you be joined as a functioning member? The more you mature, the more you will love the Body of Christ and want to sacrifice for it. The Bible says, How will you demonstrate your commitment to other believers and connection to the family of G.o.d? Where will you practice the "one another" commands with other Christians? To which church family will you be joined as a functioning member? The more you mature, the more you will love the Body of Christ and want to sacrifice for it. The Bible says, "Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. "Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. You should include an expression of your love for G.o.d's church in your statement. You should include an expression of your love for G.o.d's church in your statement.

As you consider your answers to these questions, include any Scriptures that speak to you about each of these purposes. There are many in this book. It may take you weeks or months to craft your life purpose statement just the way you want it. Pray, think about it, talk with close friends, and reflect on Scripture. You may go through several rewrites before you get to your final form. Even then, you will probably make minor changes as time goes by and G.o.d gives you more insight into your own shape. If you would like to see some examples from other people, just email me (see appendix 2).

In addition to writing a detailed life purpose statement, it is also helpful to have a shorter statement or slogan that summarizes the five purposes for your life in a way that's memorable memorable and and inspires inspires you. Then you can remind yourself daily. Solomon advised, you. Then you can remind yourself daily. Solomon advised, "It will be good to keep these things in mind so that you are ready to repeat them." "It will be good to keep these things in mind so that you are ready to repeat them." Here are a few examples: Here are a few examples: *"My life purpose is to wors.h.i.+p Christ with my heart, serve him with my shape, fellows.h.i.+p with his family, grow like him in character, and fulfill his mission in the world so he receives glory." "My life purpose is to wors.h.i.+p Christ with my heart, serve him with my shape, fellows.h.i.+p with his family, grow like him in character, and fulfill his mission in the world so he receives glory."*"My life purpose is to be a member of Christ's family, a model of his character, a minister of his grace, a messenger of his word, and a magnifier of his glory." "My life purpose is to be a member of Christ's family, a model of his character, a minister of his grace, a messenger of his word, and a magnifier of his glory."*"My life purpose is to love Christ, grow in Christ, share Christ, and serve Christ through his church, and to lead my family and others to do the same. "My life purpose is to love Christ, grow in Christ, share Christ, and serve Christ through his church, and to lead my family and others to do the same.*"My life purpose is to make a great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission." "My life purpose is to make a great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission."*"My goal is Christlikeness; my family is the church; my ministry is__________________ ; my "My goal is Christlikeness; my family is the church; my ministry is__________________ ; mymission is__________ ; my motive is the glory of G.o.d."

You may wonder, "What about G.o.d's will for my job or marriage or where I'm supposed to live or go to school?" Honestly, these are secondary issues in your life, and there may be multiple possibilities that would all all be in G.o.d's will for you. What matters most is that you fulfill G.o.d's eternal purposes regardless of where you live or work or whom you marry. Those decisions should support your purposes. The Bible says, be in G.o.d's will for you. What matters most is that you fulfill G.o.d's eternal purposes regardless of where you live or work or whom you marry. Those decisions should support your purposes. The Bible says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails." "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails."

Focus on G.o.d's purposes for your life, not your plans, since that's what will last forever. I once heard the suggestion that you develop your life purpose statement based on what you would like other people to say about you at your funeral. Imagine your perfect eulogy, then build your statement on that. Frankly, that's a bad plan. At the end of your life it isn't going to matter at all what other people say about you. The only thing that will matter is what G.o.d says what G.o.d says about you. The Bible says, about you. The Bible says, "Our purpose is to please G.o.d, not people." "Our purpose is to please G.o.d, not people."

One day G.o.d will review your answers to these life questions. Did you put Jesus at the center of your life? Did you develop his character? Did you devote your life to serving others? Did you communicate his message and fulfill his mission? Did you love and partic.i.p.ate in his family? These are the only issues that will count. As Paul said, "Our goal is to measure up to G.o.d's plan for us." "Our goal is to measure up to G.o.d's plan for us."

G.o.d WANTS TO USE YOU.

About thirty years ago, I noticed a little phrase in Acts 13:36 that forever altered the direction of my life. It was only seven words but, like the stamp of a searing hot branding iron, my life was permanently marked by these words: "David served G.o.d's purpose in his generation." "David served G.o.d's purpose in his generation." Now I understood why G.o.d called David Now I understood why G.o.d called David "a man after my own heart." "a man after my own heart." David dedicated his life to fulfilling G.o.d's purposes on earth. David dedicated his life to fulfilling G.o.d's purposes on earth.

There is no greater epitaph than that statement! Imagine it chiseled on your your tombstone: That tombstone: That you you served G.o.d's purpose in your generation. My prayer is that people will be able to say that about me when I die. It is also my prayer that people will say it about you, too. That is why I wrote this book for you. served G.o.d's purpose in your generation. My prayer is that people will be able to say that about me when I die. It is also my prayer that people will say it about you, too. That is why I wrote this book for you.

This phrase is the ultimate definition of a life well lived. You do the eternal and timeless (G.o.d's purpose) in a contemporary and timely way (in your generation). That is what the purpose-driven life purpose-driven life is all about. Neither past nor future generations can serve G.o.d's purpose in this generation. Only we can. Like Esther, G.o.d created you is all about. Neither past nor future generations can serve G.o.d's purpose in this generation. Only we can. Like Esther, G.o.d created you for such a time as this." for such a time as this."

G.o.d is still looking for people to use. The Bible says, "The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." "The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." Will you be a person G.o.d can use for his purposes? Will you serve G.o.d's purpose in Will you be a person G.o.d can use for his purposes? Will you serve G.o.d's purpose in your your generation? generation?

Paul lived a purpose-driven life. He said, "I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." "I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." His only reason for living was to fulfill the purposes G.o.d had for him. He said, His only reason for living was to fulfill the purposes G.o.d had for him. He said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul was not afraid of either living or dying. Either way, he would fulfill G.o.d's purposes. He couldn't lose! Paul was not afraid of either living or dying. Either way, he would fulfill G.o.d's purposes. He couldn't lose!

One day history will come to a close, but eternity will go on forever. William Carey said, "The future is as bright as the promises of G.o.d." When fulfilling your purposes seems tough, don't give in to discouragement. Remember your reward, which will last forever. The Bible says, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

Imagine what it is going to be like one day, with all of us standing before the throne of G.o.d presenting our lives in deep grat.i.tude and praise to Christ. Together we will say, "Worthy, Oh Master! Yes, our G.o.d! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it!" "Worthy, Oh Master! Yes, our G.o.d! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it!" We will praise him for his plan and live for his purposes forever! We will praise him for his plan and live for his purposes forever!

DAY FORTY THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way to Living with purpose is the only way to really really live. live.Verse to Remember: "For David ... served the purpose of G.o.d in his own generation." "For David ... served the purpose of G.o.d in his own generation." Acts 13:36 (NASB) Acts 13:36 (NASB)Question to Consider: When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's five great questions? When will I put my purpose on paper? When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's five great questions? When will I put my purpose on paper?

Appendix 1: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

In addition to the questions at the end of each chapter, you can use these discussion questions in your small group or Sunday school cla.s.s setting.

WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?.

* What do you think are implications of the first sentence of this book, "It's not about you"? What do you think are implications of the first sentence of this book, "It's not about you"?* What do you feel most people's lives are driven by? What has been the driving force in your What do you feel most people's lives are driven by? What has been the driving force in yourlife?* Up to this point, what image or metaphor has best described your life? A race, a circus, something else? Up to this point, what image or metaphor has best described your life? A race, a circus, something else?* If everyone understood that life on earth is really If everyone understood that life on earth is really preparation for eternity, preparation for eternity, how would we act differently? how would we act differently?* What do people get attached to on earth that keeps them from living for G.o.d's purposes? What do people get attached to on earth that keeps them from living for G.o.d's purposes?* What have you been attached to that could keep you from living for G.o.d's purposes? What have you been attached to that could keep you from living for G.o.d's purposes?

YOU WERE PLANNED FOR G.o.d'S PLEASURE.

* How is How is "living your whole life for G.o.d's pleasure" "living your whole life for G.o.d's pleasure" different from the way most people understand "wors.h.i.+p"? different from the way most people understand "wors.h.i.+p"?* How is a friends.h.i.+p with G.o.d similar to any other friends.h.i.+p, and how is it different? How is a friends.h.i.+p with G.o.d similar to any other friends.h.i.+p, and how is it different?* Share something you learned from a time when G.o.d seemed distant. Share something you learned from a time when G.o.d seemed distant.* Which is easier for you-public or private wors.h.i.+p? In which do you usually feel closer to Which is easier for you-public or private wors.h.i.+p? In which do you usually feel closer toG.o.d?* When is it appropriate to express anger to G.o.d? When is it appropriate to express anger to G.o.d?* What fears surface when you think of surrendering your complete life to Christ? What fears surface when you think of surrendering your complete life to Christ?

YOU WERE FORMED FOR G.o.d'S FAMILY.

* How is "being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ" How is "being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ" different from the way most people understand "fellows.h.i.+p"? different from the way most people understand "fellows.h.i.+p"?* What are the barriers that keep us from loving and caring for other believers? What are the barriers that keep us from loving and caring for other believers?* What would make it easier for you to be able to share your needs, hurts, fears, and hopes with others? What would make it easier for you to be able to share your needs, hurts, fears, and hopes with others?

* What are the most common excuses people give for not joining a church, and how would you answer them? What are the most common excuses people give for not joining a church, and how would you answer them?* What could our group do to protect and promote the unity in our church? What could our group do to protect and promote the unity in our church?* Is there someone you need to restore a relations.h.i.+p with that we could pray for you about? Is there someone you need to restore a relations.h.i.+p with that we could pray for you about?

YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST.

* How is How is "becoming like Jesus Christ" "becoming like Jesus Christ" different from the way most people understand "disciples.h.i.+p"? different from the way most people understand "disciples.h.i.+p"?* What are some of the changes you have seen in your life since you became a believer? What have others noticed? What are some of the changes you have seen in your life since you became a believer? What have others noticed?* A year from now, how would you like to be more Christlike? What can you do today to move toward that goal? A year from now, how would you like to be more Christlike? What can you do today to move toward that goal?* Where in your spiritual growth are you having to be patient because there seems to be little progress? Where in your spiritual growth are you having to be patient because there seems to be little progress?* How has G.o.d used pain or trouble to help you grow? How has G.o.d used pain or trouble to help you grow?* When are you most vulnerable to temptation? Which of the steps to defeating temptation could help you most? When are you most vulnerable to temptation? Which of the steps to defeating temptation could help you most?

YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING G.o.d.

* How How is "usingyour shape to serve others" is "usingyour shape to serve others" different from the way most people understand "ministry"? different from the way most people understand "ministry"?* What do you What do you love love to do that you could use to serve others in the family of G.o.d? to do that you could use to serve others in the family of G.o.d?* Think of a painful experience you have gone through that G.o.d could use to help others who are going through the same kind of situation. Think of a painful experience you have gone through that G.o.d could use to help others who are going through the same kind of situation.* How does comparing ourselves with others keep us from fully developing our unique shape? How does comparing ourselves with others keep us from fully developing our unique shape?* How have you seen G.o.d's power demonstrated through you when you felt weak? How have you seen G.o.d's power demonstrated through you when you felt weak?* How can we help every member of our small group or cla.s.s find a place of ministry? What can our group do to serve our church family? How can we help every member of our small group or cla.s.s find a place of ministry? What can our group do to serve our church family?

YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION.

* What are some typical fears and stereotypes that people have when they hear the word "evangelism"? What keeps What are some typical fears and stereotypes that people have when they hear the word "evangelism"? What keeps you you from sharing the Good News with others? from sharing the Good News with others?* What do you feel might be a part of the Life Message that G.o.d has given you to share with the world? What do you feel might be a part of the Life Message that G.o.d has given you to share with the world?* Share the name of a unbelieving friend that everyone in your group can begin praying for. Share the name of a unbelieving friend that everyone in your group can begin praying for.* What can our group do together to help fulfill the Great Commission? What can our group do together to help fulfill the Great Commission?* How has reading through this book together refocused or redirected your life purpose? What have been some of the most helpful insights to you? How has reading through this book together refocused or redirected your life purpose? What have been some of the most helpful insights to you?* Who does G.o.d bring to mind that you could share the life changing message of this book with? Who does G.o.d bring to mind that you could share the life changing message of this book with?

* What are we going to study next? (See appendix 2 for suggestions.) Email us the story of your group: What are we going to study next? (See appendix 2 for suggestions.) Email us the story of your group: [email protected],(a) [email protected],(a)purposedrivenlife.com

Appendix 2: 2: RESOURCES RESOURCES RESOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE At your bookstore or www www purposedrivenlife.com: 1. The Purpose-Driven Life Journal. The Purpose-Driven Life Journal. The companion to this book. (Zondervan/Inspirio) The companion to this book. (Zondervan/Inspirio) 2. The Purpose-Driven Life Scripture Keepers Plus. 40 The Purpose-Driven Life Scripture Keepers Plus. 40 Scripture and daily affirmation cards that match the book. Mahogany holder included. (Zondervan/Inspirio) Scripture and daily affirmation cards that match the book. Mahogany holder included. (Zondervan/Inspirio) 3. The Purpose-Driven Life Alb.u.m. The Purpose-Driven Life Alb.u.m. Twelve new songs about G.o.d's purposes, by top Christian artists. (Maranatha Music) Twelve new songs about G.o.d's purposes, by top Christian artists. (Maranatha Music) 4. The Purpose-Driven Life Video Curriculum. The Purpose-Driven Life Video Curriculum. Six sessions taught by Rick Warren and used in churches during a Six sessions taught by Rick Warren and used in churches during a 40 Days of Purpose 40 Days of Purpose spiritual growth emphasis. Study guides available. spiritual growth emphasis. Study guides available. ( (www.purposedrivenlife. com) 5. The Purpose-Driven Church. The Purpose-Driven Church. This award-winning book shows how your church can help people live G.o.d's five purposes for our lives. Available in book and DVD in 20 languages. Millions of people have studied this in churches and groups. (Zondervan and Purpose Driven Ministries) This award-winning book shows how your church can help people live G.o.d's five purposes for our lives. Available in book and DVD in 20 languages. Millions of people have studied this in churches and groups. (Zondervan and Purpose Driven Ministries) 6. Foundations: 11 Core Truths to Build Your Life on. Foundations: 11 Core Truths to Build Your Life on. A popular Saddleback Church curriculum on the biblical foundation of purpose-driven living. This 24-week study for small groups or adult cla.s.ses includes extensive teachings notes, teacher's guide, learner's guide, small-group discussion questions, and PowerPoint slides. (Zondervan) A popular Saddleback Church curriculum on the biblical foundation of purpose-driven living. This 24-week study for small groups or adult cla.s.ses includes extensive teachings notes, teacher's guide, learner's guide, small-group discussion questions, and PowerPoint slides. (Zondervan) 7. Doing Life Together. Doing Life Together. A 30-week small group curriculum that focuses on applying G.o.d's purposes to your life. (Zondervan) A 30-week small group curriculum that focuses on applying G.o.d's purposes to your life. (Zondervan) 8. Planned for G.o.d's Pleasure. Planned for G.o.d's Pleasure. This beautiful book and inspirational music CD take the groundbreaking message of This beautiful book and inspirational music CD take the groundbreaking message of The PurposeDriven Life The PurposeDriven Life and apply it in a way that encourages every one to find meaning and significance through reflection on G.o.d's purposes for one's life. (Zondervan/Inspirio) and apply it in a way that encourages every one to find meaning and significance through reflection on G.o.d's purposes for one's life. (Zondervan/Inspirio) FOR PEOPLE IN FULL-TIME MINISTRY.

Email [email protected] for a free subscription to for a free subscription to Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, a weekly email newsletter for pastors and others in fulltime ministry. a weekly email newsletter for pastors and others in fulltime ministry.

For information on the many different Purpose Driven Seminars, Purpose Driven Seminars, contact Purpose Driven, 1 contact Purpose Driven, 1

Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630. 92630. Telephone: Telephone: (800) 633-8876. (800) 633-8876.

FREE RESOURCES.

Email [email protected] for a free subscription to the weekly Purpose-Driven Life Devotional. for a free subscription to the weekly Purpose-Driven Life Devotional.

Let us know which of these free items you would like by writing _ [email protected] com.

Your First Steps for Spiritual Growth booklet A personal daily Bible reading plan booklet A personal daily Bible reading plan A list of recommended books on each purpose How to pray for missionaries The Purpose-Driven Life Purpose-Driven Life Health a.s.sessment Information on Celebrate Recovery Health a.s.sessment Information on Celebrate Recovery Information on Kingdom Builders Information on 40 Days of Purpose, 40 Days of Purpose, a spiritual growth emphasis for your church a spiritual growth emphasis for your church

Appendix 3:WHY USE SO MANY TRANSLATIONS?

This book contains nearly a thousand quotations from Scripture. I have intentionally varied the Bible translations used for two important reasons. First, no matter how wonderful a translation is, it has limitations. The Bible was originally written using 11,280 11,280 Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, but the typical English translation uses only around Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, but the typical English translation uses only around 6,000 6,000 words. Obviously, nuances and shades of meaning can be missed, so it is always helpful to compare translations. words. Obviously, nuances and shades of meaning can be missed, so it is always helpful to compare translations.

Second, and even more important, is the fact that we often miss the full impact of familiar Bible verses, not not because of poor translating, but simply because they have become so familiar! We because of poor translating, but simply because they have become so familiar! We think think we know what a verse says because we have read it or heard it so many times. Then when we find it quoted in a book, we skim over it and miss the full meaning. Therefore I have deliberately used paraphrases in order to help you see G.o.d's truth in new, we know what a verse says because we have read it or heard it so many times. Then when we find it quoted in a book, we skim over it and miss the full meaning. Therefore I have deliberately used paraphrases in order to help you see G.o.d's truth in new, fresh fresh ways. English-speaking people should thank G.o.d that we have so many different versions to use for devotional reading. ways. English-speaking people should thank G.o.d that we have so many different versions to use for devotional reading.

Also, since the verse divisions and number were not included in the Bible until 1560 A.D., 1560 A.D., I haven't always quoted the I haven't always quoted the entire entire verse, but rather focused on the phrase that was appropriate. My model for this is Jesus and how he and the apostles quoted the Old Testament. They often just quoted a phrase to make a point. verse, but rather focused on the phrase that was appropriate. My model for this is Jesus and how he and the apostles quoted the Old Testament. They often just quoted a phrase to make a point.

AMP The Amplified Bible The Amplified BibleGrand Rapids: Zondervan (1965) (1965)CEV Contemporary English VersionNew York: American Bible Society (1995) (1995)GWT G.o.d's Word TranslationGrand Rapids: World Publis.h.i.+ng, Inc. (1995) KJVKing James Version (1995) KJVKing James Version