Reflections on a Purpose-Driven Life

It’s been just about a month since Faith and I finished the “40 days to a Purpose Driven Life” We were invited by our neighbors to participate in their church’s program of “40 days” Each day we read the assigned chapter, and occasionally Faith and I would discuss our thoughts about a particular reading and how it affected us individually and as a couple. I believe that the book, in and of itself, is a great read for most christians. For beginning christians, it provides a great foundation for learning about and practicing christianity. The real value of participating in a “40 days” program comes from the fellowship opportunities within the small-group sessions. Our small group met each thursday at our neighbor’s house where we would watch a short presentation about the previous week’s readings and then a group discussion based upon the accompanying study materials. As each of the members of the small group began to share their insights and feelings and prayers, a deep bond was beginning to form that is difficult to describe. Being able to debate various points with people of varying backgrounds and perspectives led to a much deeper understanding of much of the material.

So what does a purpose driven life look like? This entry would be incomplete if I didn’t at least touch on the core content of the book and the program. Rick Warren points us to the five purposes that we accept when we become Christians:

1. * Worship - you were planned for God’s pleasure.
2. * Fellowship - you were formed to be part of God’s family.
3. * Discipleship - you were created to become like Christ.
4. * Ministry - you were shaped for God’s service.
5. * Mission - you were made to tell others about Christ.

We have quite a long way to go in our walk with Christ, but thankfully that first step has been taken. Our lives are so much richer, so much fuller and so much happier. If you think that you might find this book interesting, you should see if your church is taking part in the “40 days” and if not, well, maybe they should. If you don’t currently attend a church, that’s okay. A quick look around your own community will most likely find a church or two (or three or four) that is hosting this program and I am quite certain that they would be very happy to have you participate in the program with them. (yes, even as an ‘outsider’- after all, that’s what Faith and I were when we were took part in this)

For more information check out http://www.purposedriven.com and http://www.purposedrivenlife.com