The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren - Essay Example It should also be highlighted that this book is not only aimed at a particular Christian denomination, say Protestant or Catholic, rather the author tackles a universal theme that most, if not all, churches can relate to. The book is divided into six major portions. The first part provides an overview on how one should perceive his purpose in life. In this chapter, Warren asserts that what is of utmost importance to human beings as God's creation is to know God's purpose in our lives. In this regard, our greatest achievement is to live for God's glory and purpose. With this, it should be realized that it is important to focus on God and in know His purpose for us. Focusing on ourselves, as what other instructional books suggest, would never reveal this purpose. In the five remaining chapters, Warren discusses the five basic purposes of our lives. The first purpose pertains to our glorifying God by worshipping Him. The type of worship that Warren refers is the one which is motivated by our love, gratitude and delight in God. We are able to glorify God by worshipping Him not only out of duty or obligation but wholeheartedly. The second purpose is to glorify God by loving other believers. ... This means that by becoming like Jesus, believers are able to reach spiritual maturity. Warren points out that in order or us to be like Jesus in our thought, emotion and action, change in character is needed. This may be very difficult considering human nature. Nevertheless, we are called to develop our character for the main purpose of glorifying God. The fourth purpose is related to our responsibility towards our fellowmen. According to Warren, we glorify God by utilizing God-given gifts to serve others. He asserts that God has granted us talents, skills and abilities which should be used not only for personal gain but more so for the benefit of others. The author explains that we are able to serve God by serving others. Such is the pathway to real significance and fulfilling one's purpose here on earth. The book ends with the fifth purpose that sends off readers with a mission. This mission entails glorifying God by telling others about Him. In this regard, we have a mission to evangelize others. Such requires the sharing of the Good News and helping others discover their purpose. Warren puts forth that living with a purpose is the only way to truly live. As such, we should be mindful not only of knowing our purpose but aiding others in discovering theirs as well. Personal Reflection Despite the advent of a culture that focuses on man as an independent entity, the substantial sales of Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life indicates how religion continues to play an important role in our lives. In this book, Warren tackles the main concerns in the aspect of religion, i.e. finding the purpose and meaning of life (Macionis). This may be the root of the worldwide commercial success of