Am I Purpose Driven?
A brief look into The Purpose Driven Life. (The purpose in the book, not the person of Rick Warren.)
Am I purpose driven? A simple question you might say, but with all the controversy surrounding the depths and truths of this work, you’re left wanting to be sure.
With that, please allow me to start off directly by saying, “Yes!” Yes, I am driven by His purpose and all that it entails within me. I am covered in His blood and bound by His word of truth to rightly divide this book and its scripture reference and outline them for the reader.
I first desired to read this book as a beginning chapter of what I hoped to become a biblically based book club among women. With the rise of those clubs like Oprah’s, should the church not have one?
As time passed, other pursuits came forth and the book lay on the shelf. I began to question whether I was meant to endeavor on this journey, for fear of where it may lead or what confusion it may bring.
Is God the author of such fear-such confusion? This we know to be the work of the enemy. But with lesson came literature, and a mandate to review the views as stated by others and affirm my position.
While some question and others dive deep, I await God’s will and timing before I begin this work. As this day comes, I begin to press through, recognizing this book to be an easy read. I progress in my goal reading through each chapter quickly-not necessarily following the forty day outline.
I soon found-even as a seasoned Christian-that I would slow down and take my time, highlighting passages with notes in the margins. Overall noting this to be a great work that has its place among believers.
For the unbeliever I found myself wanting to point our certain things here and there. None of which deferring salvation, or the meaning of the cross. In fact, with all the denominational boundaries, this is a sure fit. This is not a work to be picked apart, but one to be followed through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
It is up to the reader to discern whether this book is right for them. Though I am no longer a Baptist, I am a Christian! One who says this work should not be discarded because writer is not of the same faith. It should be opened and explored so its many truths may bring the reader to a closer walk with Jesus. A walk pursuing the passion and call bestowed upon us, while fulfilling His purpose through us.
It’s the same story really, just told in a different way-a simple view, and for me, a guided lesson. Whether some day others may read these notes and be blessed by my words-or for my growth alone-this I do as He calls me to follow His voice and revere His work in me.
Where does one begin an outline on another’s work? How does one heed such a call while respecting God’s anointed? Would Jesus not have built up without tearing down? Sure, He would exhort the scripture, and with that comes admonishment, correction and truth, which I embrace as a call of ministry to guide His people.
Who am I but a part who desires to help all of us become whole. Yes, we are ALL His body who must stand together, reaching much further to lead others to the cross. His compassion-His greatest passion and purpose-living deep within each of us.
Remember, this book like the scripture, should be taken in the context in which it was written (…line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little…). As we know all must line up with His word as our foundation, this is also why we must study to show ourselves approved and work out our own salvation without trying to walk out another’s. After all, this would be far too much to bear and Jesus, Himself, accepted this place unto His death for us, therefore; let it not be on vain.
Our call here is to die of self and our own way of thinking and reasoning and allow Him to fill His commission in us to lead this world, not forsake one another. How ashamed we should be for not following His command of love to Himself first, then to all others. This love, the universal language mixed with faith, removes all question and fear; while the agreement between the two breaks every diving wall.
I have kept some of the literature I received for a later purpose while sowing the book in hopes that my notes may help another find their way. I am still ever convicted to let Him be there guide. I may deem it necessary to point out that fear comes from the enemy, or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a necessary part of the Christian life today, but this is where I must be careful to let the Holy Spirit do His job and try not to redefine it for myself. This is also where I must trust and know He will point out what is necessary to the discerning heart of the believer.
With that in mind, please allow me the latitude imparted through His grace, to address a few areas for the purpose of clarity and leave the greater disputing to others who feel this to be their place-while these few words are to be mine.
First, when the author speaks of being “purpose driven”, He is not disputing, nor contradicting being spirit lead. He is agreeing with this process. It is more of a call to carry out, or propel forward, while operating with the Holy Spirit in your purpose. This is His purpose in you as you are the vehicle He uses to drive others down the narrow path.
This is not to be done by force, but by unction, as we are all just passengers as well. (I like to think of the wagon wheel where one spoke may lifted up while the other is down-we all have our season.)
Second, when he references the need for more than the bible and for other believers to help us grow, he is in fact addressing how we are to grow through one another, while growing in Him through the reading of His word. He is showing us how we need each other as Paul needed Nathan, how we must not forsake fellowship while embracing religion, and how we should walk out what God has done in us. As I do so, the message of my heart too becomes clear, when my goal is to lead others to Him and not myself.
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