The Purpose Driven® Life

1. You were created for God's purpose, not your own

It's not about you.

God's plan. Your life has a greater purpose than personal fulfillment or happiness. You were created by God and for God. Understanding this shifts your perspective from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. This realization is the foundation for living a meaningful life.

Five purposes. God designed you with five purposes in mind:

• To bring him pleasure through worship
• To be part of his family
• To become like Christ
• To serve him by serving others
• To share his message with the world

These purposes give direction to your life and help you focus on what truly matters in the grand scheme of things. By aligning your life with these purposes, you'll experience fulfillment and significance beyond what you could achieve by pursuing your own agenda.

2. Life on earth is preparation for eternity

When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet.

Eternal perspective. Your time on earth is brief compared to eternity. This life is not all there is; it's a preparation for what's to come. Understanding this helps you prioritize what truly matters and endure temporary hardships.

Character development. God uses your earthly experiences, including trials and temptations, to shape your character and prepare you for eternity. He's more interested in your character than your comfort. This perspective helps you:

• Find meaning in difficult circumstances
• Grow through challenges rather than merely enduring them
• Focus on developing Christ-like qualities that will last forever

Remember, your ultimate home is in heaven, and your actions on earth have eternal consequences. Live with this eternal perspective, making choices that will matter beyond your time on earth.

3. Worship is about living for God's pleasure

Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship.

Beyond rituals. Worship is not limited to singing songs or attending church services. It's a lifestyle of bringing pleasure to God through your thoughts, words, and actions. True worship involves:

• Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength
• Obeying his commands
• Using your abilities to serve him
• Expressing gratitude in all circumstances

Daily devotion. Incorporate worship into your daily life by:

• Starting each day acknowledging God's presence
• Offering your activities as acts of service to him
• Practicing continuous conversation with God throughout the day
• Finding ways to express your love and gratitude to him in ordinary tasks

By viewing your entire life as an opportunity for worship, you'll develop a deeper connection with God and find greater purpose in everything you do.

4. You are shaped to serve God and others

Your shape reveals your ministry, but your servant's heart will reveal your maturity.

Unique design. God has given you a unique SHAPE for service:

• Spiritual gifts: Special abilities for serving
• Heart: What you love and are passionate about
• Abilities: Natural talents and skills
• Personality: Your temperament and preferences
• Experiences: Life lessons and encounters

Understanding and using your SHAPE allows you to serve effectively and find fulfillment in ministry. It's not about comparing yourself to others, but about using what God has given you to make a difference in the world.

Servant's heart. While your SHAPE determines how you can best serve, having a servant's heart is crucial. This involves:

• Being available and attentive to needs
• Serving with humility and without seeking recognition
• Being faithful in small tasks
• Focusing on others rather than yourself

Developing a servant's heart alongside your unique SHAPE will enable you to make the most significant impact for God's kingdom.

5. Your spiritual growth requires time and practice

There are no shortcuts to maturity.

Gradual process. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time. It's a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. This process involves:

• Learning God's Word
• Developing spiritual habits
• Overcoming temptations
• Enduring trials
• Serving others

Intentional effort. While God provides the power for growth, you must cooperate with him. This requires:

• Commitment to regular spiritual practices (prayer, Bible study, fellowship)
• Patience with yourself and the process
• Willingness to step out of your comfort zone
• Applying what you learn to real-life situations

Remember that setbacks are normal, and perfection isn't the goal. Focus on consistent progress and trust God's work in your life. Celebrate small victories and keep persevering, knowing that God is faithful to complete the good work he started in you.

6. You are called to be part of God's family

You are called to belong, not just believe.

Church involvement. Being a Christian isn't just about personal belief; it's about belonging to God's family, the church. Active participation in a local church is essential for your spiritual growth and for fulfilling God's purposes. Benefits of church involvement include:

• Support and encouragement from other believers
• Opportunities to use your gifts and serve others
• Accountability for spiritual growth
• A sense of belonging and community

Building relationships. Developing deep, meaningful relationships with other believers is crucial. This involves:

• Committing to regular fellowship
• Being vulnerable and authentic
• Practicing forgiveness and reconciliation
• Supporting one another through life's challenges

Remember that no church is perfect, but your involvement can help it grow and improve. Don't be a spectator; be an active participant in building God's family on earth.

7. Sharing your life message is your mission

Your Life Message has four parts to it: Your testimony, your life lessons, your godly passions, and the Good News.

Personal testimony. Your unique story of how God has worked in your life is powerful. Share:

• What your life was like before knowing Christ
• How you realized your need for him
• How you committed your life to him
• The difference he has made in your life

Life lessons and passions. The experiences and insights God has given you are valuable to others. Consider:

• What important lessons has God taught you?
• What issues or causes has God made you passionate about?

Sharing the Good News. The core message of salvation through Jesus is essential. Remember:

• God loves everyone and wants a relationship with them
• Sin separates us from God, but Jesus bridges that gap
• Salvation is a free gift received by faith

Be prepared to share your message in various ways:

• Through your actions and lifestyle
• In casual conversations
• By inviting others to church or spiritual events
• By explicitly sharing the gospel when opportunities arise

Your mission is to use your unique life message to help others know and grow in their relationship with God. Don't underestimate the impact your story can have on someone's eternal destiny.

Last updated: September 1, 2024