The Purpose Driven Life Part 15

Becoming a World- Cla.s.s Christian Jesus said to his followers, "Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone."

Mark 16:15 (NCV) (NCV) Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.

Psalm 67:2 (LB) The Great Commission is your commission.You have a choice to make. You will be either a world-cla.s.s world-cla.s.s Christian or a Christian or a worldly worldly Christian. Christian.

Worldly Christians look to G.o.d primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. They love to attend concerts and enrichment seminars, but you would never find them at a missions conference because they aren't interested. Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness. It's a "me-first" faith: How can G.o.d make my my life more comfortable? They want to use G.o.d for their purposes instead of life more comfortable? They want to use G.o.d for their purposes instead of being being used for used for his his purposes. purposes.

In contrast, world-cla.s.s Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission. They are eager to receive a personal a.s.signment and excited about the privilege of being used by G.o.d. World-cla.s.s Christians are the only fully alive fully alive people on the planet. Their joy, confidence, and enthusiasm are contagious because they know they're making a difference. They wake up each morning expecting G.o.d to work through them in fresh ways. Which type of Christian do you want to be? people on the planet. Their joy, confidence, and enthusiasm are contagious because they know they're making a difference. They wake up each morning expecting G.o.d to work through them in fresh ways. Which type of Christian do you want to be?

G.o.d invites you to partic.i.p.ate in the greatest, largest, most diverse, and most significant cause in history-his kingdom. History is his story. his story. He's building his family for eternity. Nothing matters more, and nothing will last as long. From the book of Revelation we know that G.o.d's global mission He's building his family for eternity. Nothing matters more, and nothing will last as long. From the book of Revelation we know that G.o.d's global mission will will be accomplished. Someday the Great Commission will be the Great Completion. In heaven an enormous crowd of people from be accomplished. Someday the Great Commission will be the Great Completion. In heaven an enormous crowd of people from "every race, tribe, nation, and language" "every race, tribe, nation, and language" will one day stand before Jesus Christ to wors.h.i.+p him. Getting involved as a world-cla.s.s Christian will allow will one day stand before Jesus Christ to wors.h.i.+p him. Getting involved as a world-cla.s.s Christian will allow

you to experience a little of what heaven will be like in advance. in advance.

When Jesus told his followers to Bo everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone," Bo everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone," that small band of poor, Middle Eastern disciples were overwhelmed. Were they supposed to walk or ride slow animals? That's all they had for transportation, and there were no ocean-crossing s.h.i.+ps, so there were real physical barriers to going to the whole world. that small band of poor, Middle Eastern disciples were overwhelmed. Were they supposed to walk or ride slow animals? That's all they had for transportation, and there were no ocean-crossing s.h.i.+ps, so there were real physical barriers to going to the whole world.

Today we have airplanes, s.h.i.+ps, trains, buses, and automobiles. It's a small world after all, and it's shrinking daily. You can fly across the ocean in a matter of hours hours and be home the next day if you need to be. The opportunities for normal, everyday Christians to become involved in short-term international missions are now literally limitless. Every corner of the world is available to you-just ask the travel industry. We have no excuse not to spread the Good News. and be home the next day if you need to be. The opportunities for normal, everyday Christians to become involved in short-term international missions are now literally limitless. Every corner of the world is available to you-just ask the travel industry. We have no excuse not to spread the Good News.

Now, with the Internet, the world has gotten even smaller. In addition to phones and faxes, any believer with Internet access can personally communicate with people in virtually every country on earth. The whole world is at your fingertips!

Even many remote villages get email, so you can now carry on "e-vangelistic" "e-vangelistic" conversations with people on the other side of the world, without even leaving your home! It has never been easier in history to fulfill your commission to go to the whole world. The great barriers are no longer distance, cost, or transportation. The only barrier is the way we conversations with people on the other side of the world, without even leaving your home! It has never been easier in history to fulfill your commission to go to the whole world. The great barriers are no longer distance, cost, or transportation. The only barrier is the way we think. To think. To be a world-cla.s.s Christian you must make some mental s.h.i.+fts. Your perspective and att.i.tudes must change. be a world-cla.s.s Christian you must make some mental s.h.i.+fts. Your perspective and att.i.tudes must change.

HOW TO THINK LIKE A WORLD-CLa.s.s CHRISTIAN.

s.h.i.+ft from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking. The Bible says, The Bible says, "My friends, stop thinking like children. Think like mature people." "My friends, stop thinking like children. Think like mature people." This is the first step to becoming a world-cla.s.s Christian. Children only think of themselves; grownups think of others. G.o.d commands, This is the first step to becoming a world-cla.s.s Christian. Children only think of themselves; grownups think of others. G.o.d commands, "Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too." "Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too."

Of course, this is a difficult mental s.h.i.+ft because we're naturally self-absorbed and almost all advertising encourages us to think of ourselves. The only way we can make this paradigm switch is by a moment-by-moment dependence on G.o.d. Fortunately he doesn't leave us to struggle on our own. "G.o.d has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think." "G.o.d has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think."

Begin asking the Holy Spirit to help you to think of the spiritual need of unbelievers whenever you talk to them. With practice you can develop the habit of praying silent "breath prayers" for those you encounter. Say, "Father, help me to understand what is keeping this person from knowing you."

It has never been easier in history to fulfill your commission to go to the whole world.

Your goal is to figure out where others are in their spiritual journey and then do whatever will bring them a step closer to knowing Christ. You can learn how to do this by adopting the mindset of Paul, who said, "I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be "I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.'

s.h.i.+ft from local thinking to global thinking. G.o.d is a global G.o.d. He has always cared G.o.d is a global G.o.d. He has always cared about the entire world. "G.o.d so loved the world........ "' "G.o.d so loved the world........ "' From the beginning he has wanted family From the beginning he has wanted family members from every nation he created. The Bible says, "From one person G.o.d made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. G.o.d has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him." "From one person G.o.d made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. G.o.d has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him."

Much of the world already thinks globally. The largest media and business conglomerates are all multinational. Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fas.h.i.+ons, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast food.

Probably most of the clothes you are wearing and much of what you ate today were produced in another country. We are more connected than we realize.

These are exciting days to be alive. There are more Christians on earth right now than ever before. Paul was right: "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours." "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours."

The first way to start thinking globally is to begin praying for specific countries. World-cla.s.s Christians pray for the world. Get a globe or map and pray for nations by name. The Bible says, "If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours.' "If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours.'

Prayer is the most important tool for your mission in the world. People may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. Like an intercontinental missile, you can aim a prayer at a person's heart whether you are ten feet or 10,000 miles away.

What should you pray for? The Bible tells us to pray for opportunities to witness," for courage to speak up, for those who will believe, for the rapid spread of the message, and for more workers. Prayer makes you a partner with others around the world. You should also pray for missionaries and everyone else involved in the global harvest. Paul told his prayer partners, "You are also joining to help us when you pray for us." "You are also joining to help us when you pray for us." If you would like suggestions for praying intelligently for the world and Christian workers, see appendix 2. If you would like suggestions for praying intelligently for the world and Christian workers, see appendix 2.

Another way to develop global thinking is to read and watch the news with "Great Commission eyes.' Wherever "Great Commission eyes.' Wherever there is change or conflict, you can be sure that G.o.d will use it to bring people to him. People are most receptive to G.o.d when they are under tension or in transition. Because the rate of change is increasing in our world, more people are open to hearing the Good News now than ever before. there is change or conflict, you can be sure that G.o.d will use it to bring people to him. People are most receptive to G.o.d when they are under tension or in transition. Because the rate of change is increasing in our world, more people are open to hearing the Good News now than ever before.

The best way to switch to global thinking is to just get up and go on a short-term mission project to another country! There's simply no subst.i.tute for hands-on, real life experience in another culture. Quit studying and discussing your mission and just do it! I dare you to dive into the deep end. In Acts 1:8 Jesus gave us a pattern for involvement: "You will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world." "You will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world." His followers were to reach out to their community (Jerusalem), to their country (Judea), to other cultures (Samaria), and to other nations (everywhere in the world). Note that our commission is simultaneous, not sequential. While not everyone has the missionary gift, His followers were to reach out to their community (Jerusalem), to their country (Judea), to other cultures (Samaria), and to other nations (everywhere in the world). Note that our commission is simultaneous, not sequential. While not everyone has the missionary gift, every every Christian is called to be on a Christian is called to be on a mission to all four groups in some way. Are you an Acts 1:8 Christian?

Set a goal to partic.i.p.ate in a mission project to each of these four targets. I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to partic.i.p.ate in a short-term mission trip overseas as soon as possible. as soon as possible. Nearly every mission agency can help you do this. It will enlarge your heart, expand your vision, stretch your faith, deepen your compa.s.sion, and fill you with a kind of joy you have never experienced. It could be the turning point in your life. Nearly every mission agency can help you do this. It will enlarge your heart, expand your vision, stretch your faith, deepen your compa.s.sion, and fill you with a kind of joy you have never experienced. It could be the turning point in your life.

s.h.i.+ft from "here and now" thinking to eternal thinking. To make the most of your time on earth, you must maintain an eternal perspective. This will keep you from majoring on minor issues and help you distinguish between what's urgent and what's ultimate. Paul said, make the most of your time on earth, you must maintain an eternal perspective. This will keep you from majoring on minor issues and help you distinguish between what's urgent and what's ultimate. Paul said, "We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. "We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. " "

So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less for eternity. Don't trade your life for temporary things. Jesus said, "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work 1 plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of G.o.d. "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work 1 plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of G.o.d." Paul warned, "Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out." "Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out."

What are you allowing to stand in the way of your mission? What's keeping you from being a world-cla.s.s Christian? Whatever it is, let it go. "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back." "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back."

Jesus told us to "store up your treasures in heaven." "store up your treasures in heaven." How can we do this? In one of his most misunderstood statements Jesus said, How can we do this? In one of his most misunderstood statements Jesus said, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." Jesus did not mean for you to "buy" friends with money. What he meant was that you should use the money G.o.d gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be friends for eternity who will welcome you when you get to heaven! It's the best financial investment you'll ever make. Jesus did not mean for you to "buy" friends with money. What he meant was that you should use the money G.o.d gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be friends for eternity who will welcome you when you get to heaven! It's the best financial investment you'll ever make.

You've probably heard the expression "You can't take it with you"-but the Bible says you can you can send it on ahead by investing in people who are going there! The Bible says, send it on ahead by investing in people who are going there! The Bible says, 'By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven-it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." 'By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven-it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well."

s.h.i.+ft from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to fulfill your commission. If you are willing, there is always a way to do it, and there are agencies that will help you. Here are some common excuses: If you are willing, there is always a way to do it, and there are agencies that will help you. Here are some common excuses: *"I only speak English." "I only speak English." This is actually an advantage in many countries where millions of people want to learn English and are eager to practice it. This is actually an advantage in many countries where millions of people want to learn English and are eager to practice it.*"I don't have anything to offer' "I don't have anything to offer' Yes, you do. Every ability and experience in your shape can be used somewhere. Yes, you do. Every ability and experience in your shape can be used somewhere.*"I'm too old (or too young).' "I'm too old (or too young).' Most mission agencies have age-appropriate short term projects. Most mission agencies have age-appropriate short term projects.

Whether it was Sarah claiming she was too old to be used by G.o.d or Jeremiah claiming he was too young, G.o.d rejected their excuses. "Don't say that,' the LORD replied, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.'" "Don't say that,' the LORD replied, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.'"

Maybe you have believed that you needed a special "call" from G.o.d, and you've been waiting for some supernatural feeling or experience. But G.o.d has already stated his call repeatedly. We are all all called to fulfill G.o.d's five purposes for our lives: to wors.h.i.+p, to fellows.h.i.+p, to grow like Christ, to serve, and to be on mission with G.o.d in the world. G.o.d doesn't want to use just called to fulfill G.o.d's five purposes for our lives: to wors.h.i.+p, to fellows.h.i.+p, to grow like Christ, to serve, and to be on mission with G.o.d in the world. G.o.d doesn't want to use just some some of his people; he wants to use of his people; he wants to use all all of his people. We are all called to be of his people. We are all called to be on-mission on-mission for G.o.d. He wants his whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world. for G.o.d. He wants his whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.

Many Christians have missed G.o.d's plan for their lives because they have never even asked G.o.d if asked G.o.d if he wanted them to serve as a missionary somewhere. Whether out he wanted them to serve as a missionary somewhere. Whether out of of fear or ignorance, they have automatically closed their minds to the possibility fear or ignorance, they have automatically closed their minds to the possibility of of serving as a resident missionary in a cross-cultural location. serving as a resident missionary in a cross-cultural location. If If you are tempted to say no, you ought to check out all the different ways and possibilities that are now available (this will surprise you), and you ought to seriously pray and ask G.o.d what he wants from you in the years ahead. Untold thousands you are tempted to say no, you ought to check out all the different ways and possibilities that are now available (this will surprise you), and you ought to seriously pray and ask G.o.d what he wants from you in the years ahead. Untold thousands of of resident missionaries are desperately needed at this critical point in history, when so many doors are opening wide like never before. resident missionaries are desperately needed at this critical point in history, when so many doors are opening wide like never before.

If you want to be like Jesus, you must have a heart for the whole world. You can't be satisfied with just your family and friends coming to Christ. There are over 6 billion people on earth, and Jesus wants you want to be like Jesus, you must have a heart for the whole world. You can't be satisfied with just your family and friends coming to Christ. There are over 6 billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all all his lost children found. Jesus said, his lost children found. Jesus said, "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live!" The "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live!" The Great Commission Great Commission is your is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of of significance. significance.

DAY THIRTY-EIGHT THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: The Great Commission is The Great Commission is my my commission. commission.Verse to Remember: "Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind." "Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind." Psalm 67:2 (LB) Psalm 67:2 (LB)Question to Consider: What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year? What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year?

Balancing Your LifeLive life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do.

Ephesians 5:15 (Ph) Don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance.

2 Peter 3:17 (CEV) Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone. One of of the events in the summer Olympics is the pentathlon. It is composed of five events: pistol shooting, fencing, horseback riding, running, and swimming. The pentathlete's goal is to succeed in all five areas, not just one or two. the events in the summer Olympics is the pentathlon. It is composed of five events: pistol shooting, fencing, horseback riding, running, and swimming. The pentathlete's goal is to succeed in all five areas, not just one or two.

Your life is a pentathlon of five purposes, which you must keep in balance. These purposes were practiced by the first Christians in Acts 2, explained by Paul in Ephesians 4, and modeled by Jesus in John 17, but they are summarized in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus. These two statements sum up what this book is all about-G.o.d's five purposes for your life: 1."Love G.o.d with all your heart" "Love G.o.d with all your heart": You were planned for G.o.d's pleasure, so your purpose is to love G.o.d through You were planned for G.o.d's pleasure, so your purpose is to love G.o.d through wors.h.i.+p. wors.h.i.+p.2."Love your neighbor as yourself: "Love your neighbor as yourself: You were shaped for serving, so your purpose is to show love for others through You were shaped for serving, so your purpose is to show love for others through ministry. ministry.3."Go and make disciples": "Go and make disciples": You were made for a mission, so your purpose is to share G.o.d's message through You were made for a mission, so your purpose is to share G.o.d's message through evangelism. evangelism.4."baptize them into . . .": "baptize them into . . .": You were formed for G.o.d's family, so your purpose is to identify with his church through You were formed for G.o.d's family, so your purpose is to identify with his church through fellows.h.i.+p. fellows.h.i.+p.

5. "teach them to do all thingsYou were created to become like Christ, so your purpose is to grow to maturity through You were created to become like Christ, so your purpose is to grow to maturity through disciples.h.i.+p. disciples.h.i.+p.

A great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will make you a great Christian.

Keeping these five purposes in balance is not easy. We all tend to overemphasize the purposes we feel most pa.s.sionate about and neglect the others. Churches do the same thing. But you can keep your life balanced and on track by joining a small group for accountability, by regularly evaluating your spiritual health, by recording your progress in a personal journal, and by pa.s.sing on what you learn to others. These are four important activities for purpose-driven living. If you are serious about staying on track, you will need to develop these habits.

Talk it through with a spiritual partner or small group. The best way to The best way to internalize internalize the principles in this book is to discuss them with others in a small-group setting. The Bible says, the principles in this book is to discuss them with others in a small-group setting. The Bible says, "As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." "As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." We learn best in community. Our minds are sharpened and our convictions are deepened through conversation. We learn best in community. Our minds are sharpened and our convictions are deepened through conversation.

I strongly urge you to gather a small group of friends and form a Purpose-Driven Life Reading Group to review these chapters on a weekly basis. Discuss the implications and the applications of each chapter. Ask "So what?" and "What now?" What does this mean for me, my family, and our church? What am I going to do about it? Paul said, urge you to gather a small group of friends and form a Purpose-Driven Life Reading Group to review these chapters on a weekly basis. Discuss the implications and the applications of each chapter. Ask "So what?" and "What now?" What does this mean for me, my family, and our church? What am I going to do about it? Paul said, "Put into practice what you learned." "Put into practice what you learned." In appendix 1, I have prepared a list of discussion questions for your small group or Sunday school cla.s.s to use. In appendix 1, I have prepared a list of discussion questions for your small group or Sunday school cla.s.s to use.

A small reading group provides many benefits that a book by itself cannot. You can give and receive feedback about what you're learning. You can discuss real-life examples. You can pray for, encourage, and support each other as you begin to live out these purposes. Remember, we are meant to grow together, not separately. The Bible says, "Encourage each other and give each other strength." "Encourage each other and give each other strength." After you have gone through this book together as a group, you might consider studying other purpose-driven life studies that are available for cla.s.ses and groups (see appendix After you have gone through this book together as a group, you might consider studying other purpose-driven life studies that are available for cla.s.ses and groups (see appendix 2).

I also encourage you to do personal Bible study. I have footnoted over a thousand Scriptures used in this book for you to study in their context. Please read appendix 3, which explains why this book uses so many different translations and paraphrases. To keep these chapters to a size for daily reading, I was unable to explain the fascinating context of most of the verses used. But the Bible is intended to be studied by paragraphs, chapters, and even entire books. My book Personal Bible Study Methods Personal Bible Study Methods can show you how to do inductive studies. can show you how to do inductive studies.

Give yourself a regular spiritual check-up. The best way to The best way to balance balance the five purposes in your life is to evaluate yourself periodically. G.o.d places a high value on the habit of self-evaluation. At least five times in Scripture we are told to test and examine our own spiritual health. The Bible says, the five purposes in your life is to evaluate yourself periodically. G.o.d places a high value on the habit of self-evaluation. At least five times in Scripture we are told to test and examine our own spiritual health. The Bible says, "Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.... Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it." "Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.... Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it."

A commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will make you a great Christian.

To maintain your physical health, you need regular check-ups with a doctor who can a.s.sess your vital signs-blood pressure, temperature, weight, and so on. For your spiritual health you need to regularly check the five vital signs of wors.h.i.+p, fellows.h.i.+p, growth in character, ministry, and mission. Jeremiah advised, "Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under G.o.d." "Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under G.o.d."

At Saddleback Church we have developed a simple personal evaluation tool that has helped thousands of people stay on-purpose for G.o.d. If you would like a copy of this purpose-driven life spiritual health a.s.sessment, you can email me (see appendix 2). You will be amazed at how much this little tool will help you balance your life for health and growth. Paul urged, "Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by your realistic action now." "Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by your realistic action now."

Write down your progress in a a journal. journal. The best way to The best way to reinforce reinforce your progress in fulfilling G.o.d's purposes for your life is to keep a spiritual journal. This is not a diary of events, but a record of the life lessons you don't want to forget. The Bible says, your progress in fulfilling G.o.d's purposes for your life is to keep a spiritual journal. This is not a diary of events, but a record of the life lessons you don't want to forget. The Bible says, "It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off." "It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off." We remember what we record. We remember what we record.

Writing helps clarify what G.o.d is doing in your life. Dawson Trotman used to say, "Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pa.s.s through your fingertips." The Bible has several examples of G.o.d telling people to keep a spiritual journal. It says, "At the LORD'S direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress." "At the LORD'S direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress."

Aren't you glad Moses obeyed G.o.d's command to record Israel's spiritual journey? If he had been lazy, we would be robbed of the powerful life lessons of the Exodus.

While it's unlikely that your spiritual journal will be as widely read as Moses' was, yours is still important. The New International Version says, "Moses recorded the stages in their journey.' Your "Moses recorded the stages in their journey.' Your life is a journey, and a journey deserves a journal. I hope you will write about the stages of your spiritual journey in living a purpose-driven life. life is a journey, and a journey deserves a journal. I hope you will write about the stages of your spiritual journey in living a purpose-driven life.

Don't just write down the pleasant things. As David did, record your doubts, fears, and struggles with G.o.d. Our greatest lessons come out of pain, and the Bible says G.o.d keeps a record of our tears. Whenever problems occur, remember that G.o.d uses them to fulfill all five all five purposes in your life: Problems force you to focus on G.o.d, draw you closer to others in fellows.h.i.+p, build Christ-like character, provide you with a ministry, and give you a testimony. Every problem is purpose-driven. purposes in your life: Problems force you to focus on G.o.d, draw you closer to others in fellows.h.i.+p, build Christ-like character, provide you with a ministry, and give you a testimony. Every problem is purpose-driven.

In the middle of a painful experience, the psalmist wrote, "Write down for the coming generation what the LORD has done, so that people not yet born will praise him." "Write down for the coming generation what the LORD has done, so that people not yet born will praise him." You owe it to future generations to preserve the testimony of how G.o.d helped you fulfill his purposes on earth. You owe it to future generations to preserve the testimony of how G.o.d helped you fulfill his purposes on earth.

It is a witness that will continue to speak long after you're in heaven.

Pa.s.s on what you know to others. If you want to keep growing, the best way to learn more is to pa.s.s on what you have already learned. Proverbs tells us, If you want to keep growing, the best way to learn more is to pa.s.s on what you have already learned. Proverbs tells us, "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped." "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped." Those who pa.s.s along insights get more from G.o.d. Those who pa.s.s along insights get more from G.o.d.

Now that you understand the purpose of life, it is your responsibility to carry the message to others. G.o.d is calling you to be his messenger. Paul said, "Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others." "Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others." In this book I have pa.s.sed on to you what others taught me about the purpose of life; now it's your duty to pa.s.s that on to others. You probably know hundreds of people who do not know the purpose of life. Share these truths with your children, your friends, your neighbors, and those you work with. If you give this book to a friend, add your personal note on the dedication page. In this book I have pa.s.sed on to you what others taught me about the purpose of life; now it's your duty to pa.s.s that on to others. You probably know hundreds of people who do not know the purpose of life. Share these truths with your children, your friends, your neighbors, and those you work with. If you give this book to a friend, add your personal note on the dedication page.

The more you know, the more G.o.d expects you to use that knowledge to help others. James said, "Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.' "Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.' Knowledge increases responsibility. But pa.s.sing along the purpose of life is more than an obligation; it's one of life's greatest privileges. Imagine how different the world would be if everyone knew their purpose. Paul said, Knowledge increases responsibility. But pa.s.sing along the purpose of life is more than an obligation; it's one of life's greatest privileges. Imagine how different the world would be if everyone knew their purpose. Paul said, "If you teach these things to other followers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus." "If you teach these things to other followers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus."

You owe it to future generations to preserve the testimony of how G.o.d helped you fulfill his purposes on earth.[image]

IT'S ALL FOR G.o.dS GLORY.

The reason we pa.s.s on what we learn is for the glory of G.o.d and the growth of his kingdom. The night before he was crucified, Jesus reported to his Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 1 116 When Jesus prayed these words, he had not yet died for our sins, so what "work" had he completed? In this instance he was referring to something other than the atonement. The answer lies in what he said in the next twenty verses of his prayer." When Jesus prayed these words, he had not yet died for our sins, so what "work" had he completed? In this instance he was referring to something other than the atonement. The answer lies in what he said in the next twenty verses of his prayer."

Jesus told his Father what he had been doing for the last three years: preparing his disciples to live for G.o.d's purposes. He helped them to know and love G.o.d (wors.h.i.+p), taught them to love each other (fellows.h.i.+p), gave them the Word so they could grow to maturity (disciples.h.i.+p), showed them how to serve (ministry), and sent them out to tell others (mission). Jesus modeled a purpose-driven life, and he taught others how to live it, too. That was the "work" that brought glory to G.o.d.

Today G.o.d calls each of us to the same work. Not only does he want us to live out his purposes, he also wants us to help others do the same. G.o.d wants us to introduce people to Christ, bring them into his fellows.h.i.+p, help them grow to maturity and discover their place of service, and then send them out to reach others, too.

This is what purpose-driven living is all about. Regardless of your age, the rest of your life can be the best of your life, and you can start living on purpose today.

DAY THIRTY-NINE THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: Blessed are the balanced. Blessed are the balanced.Verse to Remember: "Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do." "Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do." Ephesians 5:15 (Ph) Ephesians 5:15 (Ph)Question to Consider: Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance G.o.d's five purposes for my life? Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance G.o.d's five purposes for my life?

Living with Purpose Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) 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) Living on purpose is the only way to really really live. Everything else is just existing. Most people struggle with three basic issues in life. The first is live. Everything else is just existing. Most people struggle with three basic issues in life. The first is ident.i.ty: ident.i.ty: "Who am I?" The second "Who am I?" The second is importance: "Do I is importance: "Do I matter?" The third is matter?" The third is impact: impact: "What is my place in life?" The answers to all three questions are found in G.o.d's five purposes for you. "What is my place in life?" The answers to all three questions are found in G.o.d's five purposes for you.

In the Upper Room, as Jesus was concluding his last day of ministry with his disciples, he washed their feet as an example and said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Once you know what G.o.d wants you to do, the blessing comes in actually doing it. As the come to the end of our forty-day journey together, now that you know G.o.d's purposes for your life, you will be blessed if you Once you know what G.o.d wants you to do, the blessing comes in actually doing it. As the come to the end of our forty-day journey together, now that you know G.o.d's purposes for your life, you will be blessed if you do do them! them!

This probably means you will have to stop doing some other things. There are many "good" things you can do with your life, but G.o.d's purposes are the five essentials you must you must do. Unfortunately, it's easy to get distracted and forget what is most important. It's easy to drift away from what matters most and slowly get off course. To prevent this, you should develop a purpose statement for your life and then review it regularly. do. Unfortunately, it's easy to get distracted and forget what is most important. It's easy to drift away from what matters most and slowly get off course. To prevent this, you should develop a purpose statement for your life and then review it regularly.

WHAT IS A LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT?.

It's a statement that summarizes G.o.d's purposes for your life. In your own words you affirm your commitment to G.o.d's five purposes for your life. A purpose statement is In your own words you affirm your commitment to G.o.d's five purposes for your life. A purpose statement is not a not a list of goals. Goals are temporary; purposes are eternal. The Bible says, list of goals. Goals are temporary; purposes are eternal. The Bible says, "His plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally." "His plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally."

It's a statement that points the direction of your life. Writing down your purposes on paper will force you to think specifically about the path of your life. The Bible says, Writing down your purposes on paper will force you to think specifically about the path of your life. The Bible says, "Know where you "Know where you

are headed, and you will stay on solid ground." A life purpose statement not only spells out what you intend to do with your time, life, and money, but also implies what A life purpose statement not only spells out what you intend to do with your time, life, and money, but also implies what you aren't you aren't going to do. Proverbs says, going to do. Proverbs says, "An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions." "An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions."

It's a statement that defines "success" for you. It states what you believe is important, not what the world says is important. It clarifies your values. Paul said, for you. It states what you believe is important, not what the world says is important. It clarifies your values. Paul said, "I want you to understand what really matters.' "I want you to understand what really matters.'

It's a statement that clarifies your roles. You will have different roles at different stages in life, but your purposes will never change. They are greater than any role you will have. You will have different roles at different stages in life, but your purposes will never change. They are greater than any role you will have.

It's a statement that expresses your shape. It reflects the unique ways G.o.d made you to serve him. It reflects the unique ways G.o.d made you to serve him.

Take your time writing out your life purpose statement. Don't try to complete it in a single setting, and don't aim for perfection in your first draft; just write down your thoughts as fast as they come to you. It is always easier to edit than to create. Here are five questions you should consider as you prepare your statement: LIFE'S FIVE GREATEST QUESTIONS.

What will be the center of my center of my life? life? This is the question of This is the question of wors.h.i.+p. wors.h.i.+p. Who are you going to live for? What are you going to build your life around? You can center your life around your career, your family, a sport or hobby, money, having fun, or many other activities. These are all good things, but they don't belong at the center of your life. None is strong enough to hold you together when life starts breaking apart. You need an unshakable center. Who are you going to live for? What are you going to build your life around? You can center your life around your career, your family, a sport or hobby, money, having fun, or many other activities. These are all good things, but they don't belong at the center of your life. None is strong enough to hold you together when life starts breaking apart. You need an unshakable center.

King Asa told the people of Judah to "center their lives in G.o.d.' "center their lives in G.o.d.' Actually, whatever is at the center of your life is your G.o.d. When you committed your life to Christ, he moved into the center, but you must keep him there through wors.h.i.+p. Paul says, "I Actually, whatever is at the center of your life is your G.o.d. When you committed your life to Christ, he moved into the center, but you must keep him there through wors.h.i.+p. Paul says, "I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts." pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts."

How do you know when G.o.d is at the center of your life? When G.o.d's at the center, you wors.h.i.+p. When he's not, you worry. Worry is the warning light that G.o.d has been shoved to the sideline. The moment you put him back at the center, you will have peace again. The Bible says, "A sense of G.o.d's wholeness ... will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." "A sense of G.o.d's wholeness ... will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

What will be the character of character of my life? my life? This is the question of This is the question of disciples.h.i.+p. disciples.h.i.+p. What kind of person will you be? G.o.d is far more interested in what you What kind of person will you be? G.o.d is far more interested in what you are are than what than what you do. you do. Remember, you will take your character into eternity, but not your career. Make a list of the character qualities you want to work on and develop in your life. You might begin with the fruit of the Spirit or the Beat.i.tudes. Remember, you will take your character into eternity, but not your career. Make a list of the character qualities you want to work on and develop in your life. You might begin with the fruit of the Spirit or the Beat.i.tudes.

Peter said, "Don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, pa.s.sionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love." "Don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, pa.s.sionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love." Don't get discouraged and give up when you stumble. It takes a lifetime to build Christ-like character. Paul told Timothy, Don't get discouraged and give up when you stumble. It takes a lifetime to build Christ-like character. Paul told Timothy, "Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it." "Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it."

What will be the contribution of contribution of my life? This is the question of my life? This is the question of service. service. What will be your ministry in the Body of Christ? Knowing your combination of spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences (SHAPE), what would be your best role in the family of G.o.d? How can you make a difference? Is there a specific group in the Body that I am shaped to serve? Paul pointed out two wonderful benefits when you fulfill your ministry: What will be your ministry in the Body of Christ? Knowing your combination of spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences (SHAPE), what would be your best role in the family of G.o.d? How can you make a difference? Is there a specific group in the Body that I am shaped to serve? Paul pointed out two wonderful benefits when you fulfill your ministry: "This service you perform not only meets the needs of G.o.d's people, but also produces an outpouring of grat.i.tude to G.o.d." "This service you perform not only meets the needs of G.o.d's people, but also produces an outpouring of grat.i.tude to G.o.d."

While you are shaped to serve others, even Jesus didn't meet the needs of everyone everyone while on earth. You have to choose whom you can best help, based on your shape. You need to ask, "Who do I have a desire to help most?" Jesus said, while on earth. You have to choose whom you can best help, based on your shape. You need to ask, "Who do I have a desire to help most?" Jesus said, "I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last." "I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last." Each of us bears different fruit. Each of us bears different fruit.

What will be the communication of communication of my life? This is the question of your my life? This is the question of your mission mission to unbelievers. Your to unbelievers. Your mission statement is mission statement is a part of your life purpose statement. It should include your commitment to share your testimony and the Good News with others. You should also list the life lessons and G.o.dly pa.s.sions you feel G.o.d has given you to share with the world. As you grow in Christ, G.o.d may give you a special target group of people to focus on reaching. Be sure to add this to your statement. a part of your life purpose statement. It should include your commitment to share your testimony and the Good News with others. You should also list the life lessons and G.o.dly pa.s.sions you feel G.o.d has given you to share with the world. As you grow in Christ, G.o.d may give you a special target group of people to focus on reaching. Be sure to add this to your statement.

If you are a parent, part of your mission is to raise your children to know Christ, to help them understand his purposes for their lives, and to send them out on their mission in the world. You might include Joshua's statement in yours: "As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." "As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD."