What on earth am I here for? This is a question I’ve asked myself many times and the longer I lived, the more I thought that answer changed. As I really began to invest myself into this book I realized the answer did not change at all, my perspective did. The author states early on in this book that we are here for God. The city you live in, the people you encounter and the issues you are dealing with are not by accident, God is using them all. Early on, the author challenges us to view our struggles as a test from God. Once we have the right perspective, we are then challenged to Trust God. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen (struggles), but on what is unseen (God). For what is temporary (our problems), But what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. I know in my own life’s journey, I’ve faced many struggles, some of which were out of my control and others that were caused by me. Whether it was someone else’s fault or my own fault, with the right perspective, I’ve come to learn that there life lesson’s to be learned.
- Purpose 1: You were planned for Gods Pleasure
- You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. Revelations 4:11
- Bringing pleasure to God is called Worship. The bible says, “the Lord is pleased only with those who worship him and trust His love.” Anything that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship.
- Worship is not for your benefit. Gods heart is not touched by tradition in worship, but by passion and commitment. The bible says, “these people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Worship isn’t for you, its for God.
- Worship is not a part of your life; it is your life. In the bible people praised God at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed. David said, “I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise him.”
- Figure out what makes God smile. The author uses biblical principles to show us how to love god supremely, wholeheartedly, completely and continually. Pauls goal was: “more than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there.” When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from “how much pleasure am I getting out of life?” to “how much pleasure is God getting out of my life?”
- How do you reach the heart of worship? The author tells us that the heart of worship is SURRENDER! Paul urges us to fully surrender our lives to God in worship: “so then, my friends , because of Gods great mercy to us… offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is true worship that you should offer.” The author encourages us to Trust God and admit our limitations. By doing these things, we are exposed to Gods grace, love and wisdom.
- The author challenges us to make God our best friend through constant conversation (prayer/meditation). Prayer lets you speak to God; meditation lets God speak to you. Both are essential to becoming a friend of God.
- Purpose 2: You were formed for Gods family
- I am the vine and you are the branches. John 15:5
- It is clear that God desire relationships . The entire story of God is building a family who will love him, honor him, and reign with him forever.
- One of the many benefits of Gods family is the inheritance. Paul said, “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.”
- Being a part of Gods family isn’t just the inheritance, it also comes with a command. Bible says, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit.”
- What matters most to God? “no matter what I say, what I believe and what I do, I am bankrupt without love.” 1 corinthians 13:3 To God living a life of love matters most.
- Being in the family of God also provides a place to belong. The author describes the benefits of family; it gives you identity, moves you out of self centered isolation, develops your spiritual muscles, puts you on mission, and keeps you from back sliding (accountability)
- Purpose 3: You were created to become like Christ
- God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29
- God made us all in His likeness, so it should be our goal to become more like Him. The author says to become more like Christ we must first allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Second we must allow gods word, people, and circumstances to mold us. Third, we must realize that becoming like christ is a long, slow process of growth.
- God not only wants us to grow in physical stature, he wants us to mature spiritually too. We have discussed prayer and meditation, but discipleship is a area that needs growth as well. Find someone who will commit to you and hold you accountable to godly principles and find someone you can commit to. Again, we were made for relationship and community with others.
- Began to see troubles the way Christ saw them, as ways to develop and strengthen your faith. The Madame Guyon says, “it is the fire of suffereing that brings forth the gold of godliness.” The bible says, “we know that god causes everything to work together for the good of those who love god and are called according to his purpose for them. For god knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.”
- Remember that god has a plan, rejoice and then give him thanks in all situations. Finally, don’t give up. The bible says, “let the process go on until your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have become men of mature character.. with no weak spots.”
- Purpose 4: you were shaped for serving god.
- The author reminds us that God designed us to make a difference in this life. How do we make a difference? Whenever you serve others in anyway, you are actually serving God and fulfilling one of your purposes. God redeemed us so that we might serve others. Service is not optional in the kingdom of God. The bible says, “for we are gods workmanship, created in christ jesus to do good works, which god prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
- How do we serve God with our unique make up? “what you are is Gods gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.” God deserves your best. To give our best, we need to figure out what our gifts and abilities are. Take a spiritual gifts and abilities assessment. Find a mentor and ask them to point out unique qualities they see in you. Once we have discovered our unique abilities, the author challenges us to go out and make a difference in the world.
- Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.. mark 10:43 We learn that in order to be a servant we must be available, we must pay attention to the needs of others, we must make the most of what we have, do every task big or small with equal dedication, and be faithful to your ministry.
- Everyone has a weakness. God has a different perspective of your weakness. He says, “my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” Our weaknesses are not by accident. God deliberately allowed them in your life for the purpose of demonstrating his power through you.
- Purspose 5: You were made for a mission
- The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the lord jesus gave me. Acts 20:24
- Why is our mission on earth so important? The author reminds us that our mission is a continuation of jesus’ mission on earth, it a wonderful privilege, It gives your life meaning, and god’s timetable for historys conclusion is directly linked to the completion of our commission.
- God has given us all a life story to share.. this message includes our testimony. It includes all things we have learned as life lessons.
- Finally, the author challenges to go live a life with purpose.. Don’t get caught up in the envy trap, seeking after someone else’s purpose. Also, try to avoid being a people pleaser. People pleasing will only silence your life’s message. Remember, God shaped you to be you, not someone else. Discover your pupose, find freedom and go make a difference.
