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Dr Rick Warren is the author of the Christian best seller “The Purpose Driven Life” that sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. He wrote: “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even
your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose”.
“In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. And we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 1:5, 2:10).
For purposeful living on earth, first and foremost, we must recognize that our life on earth is all about God, not us. It is all about His purpose, not our desires and plans. Unless and until we fully comprehend, accept and internalize this truth, we cannot live wisely and with meaningful purpose. Recognize your higher calling and do not get caught up in worldly pursuits that might yield immediate and tangible results or rewards. Doing God’s will may often seem not to yield what we deem as benefits on earth. In fact, in many instances, it requires sacrifice and involves suffering. Surrender all your dreams and desires so that you can do the good works which God has prepared in advance for you to do. Focus on your eternal reward, the crown of glory which God has promised.
To live purposefully, we must be obedient and make right and wise choices all the time. Thanks be to God for giving us the Holy Spirit to enable and guide us in our decisions. We only need to be careful not to put out the Spirit’s fire! (1 Thess. 5:19). Spend time daily with God and keep in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). Purposeful living requires discipline, diligence and perseverance. Press on the upward way no matter how difficult it may be. The Purpose Driven Life brings glory to God and good to people. Reflect on how God wants to use you in this season of your life for His glory and for the good of people. Remember: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6).
