Outside of reading the Bible, I
have enjoyed reading Rick Warren’s book The
Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I here for? Warren advises the reader
to read one chapter a day- none more and none less. The author makes it a point
to address the importance of fulfilling a relationship with Christ to the
audience in his “40 day spiritual journey”. Warren tells us to read one chapter
at a time so we can completely understand the message in each chapter, which
fulfills: 1.) A Point to Ponder; 2.) A Verse to Remember; and 3.) A Question to
Consider. He wants us to reflect on the truth presented in each chapter, as well
as personally apply the implications we have read to our own lives.
I want to share day six of my journey
with you. On day six, I read “Thinking About My Purpose”.
Point to Ponder: This world is not my home.
Day six made me realize how
limited my time on Earth is, and how much I should dedicate that time to God
and His purpose for me. Dissatisfaction and discontent in life on Earth allow
us to focus on our eternal life, instead of becoming attached to life on Earth.
On day six, I realized I have a bigger purpose on Earth. The Earth is not my home; my
life on Earth has been given a purpose and is designed for my life in eternity.
On page 51, Warren says, “A fish would never be happy living on land, because
it was made for water. An eagle could never feel satisfied if it wasn’t allowed
to fly. You will never feel completely satisfied on Earth, because you were
made for more”.
Verse to Remember: “So we fix our eyes no on what is seen, but on
what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2
Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Eternal values became the deciding factor of my decisions on Earth. We must not get
caught up in material prosperity on Earth, and must always focus on fulfilling
our purpose for God. God promises us happiness in life after death; therefore, we must not
focus our happiness on Earth but for what is to come. We are on Earth to
prepare ourselves for a life greater than we can imagine. This verse reminds us
that the end of life on Earth is not the end.
Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on Earth is just a
temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
Realizing that life on Earth is
just a temporary assignment has completely altered my values on Earth. My
values have turned to the Lord, and the way I pursue day-to-day actions and
behaviors are to worship God. I have made, and will continue to make, changes
throughout my life subject to focusing on my relationship with God and my
purpose on Earth. I have gotten rid of many bad habits and things that do not
give God glory, and will continue striving to give glory to God in all things I pursue on Earth.
Warren, Rick. (2002). The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I
here for? Grand Rapids: Michigan.
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