Purpose Driven Life: Comments on selected texts

Words in red ink are from Rick Warren's book entitled, "The Purpose Driven Life". The words in black ink are just some of the things which I want to express.

Ch. 24, pg. 185
The truth transforms us.

Rick Warren talks here about truth. With the small 't'. But what is Truth [the one with the capital 'T']? Is it absolute? Is it something we could grasp? The Truth is broader than life and moves without limits. It is bigger than the universe... bigger than you and me.

pg.185
Spiritual growth is the process replacing lies with truth... The Bible says, "Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us."

I think that the Truth is in the Word but it is not as simple as that. It is embedded in the Word and is thus not obvious to the ignorant. It is revealed to those who deserve it [at the right moment, in the right place].

Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom,

and she is readily perceived by those who love her,

and found by those who seek her. [Wisdom 6:12]

To know the Truth, you should be ready for it. And to be ready for it, you should start by emptying yourself. With emptiness, we will be filled by the spirit and when that happens, enlightenment follows. When the Word of God speaks to you, you can feel it sink all over your system. Your soul then begins to glow... and you are empowered.


Ch. 30 pg. 236
...no individual receives all the gifts. If you had them all, you'd have no need of anyone else...

I think we have a little bit of all and there is one gift that is above all the others. It is what makes us all interconneted... by having a piece of everything.

pg. 238
Another word for heart is passion.

I think passion is mind, heart, and soul.

Ch. 33 pg. 260
... the "good enough" principle: It doesn't have to be perfect for God to use and bless it.

The good enough principle could be true but it may become an excuse for those who doesn't want to exert extra effort to develop and do better. It is not bad to have high standards and do the best that we could. Just don't be too obsessed about doing things perfectly or else you will start focusing on yourself [to do things perfectly] than achieving the real goal of your purpose (ie. to serve God).

Ch. 34 pg.270
Why do they serve with gladness? ...Because they love the Lord, they're grateful for his grace, they know serving is the highest use of life, and they know God has promised a reward?

What reward? The reward is having the chance to show your love for the Lord! Is there a higher reward than this?

Ch. 35 p. 272
1. Admit your weaknesses
2. Be content with your weaknesses
3. Honestly share your weaknesses
4. Glory in your weaknesses

Our weaknesses is what defines us as humans and our strengths are what makes us the masterpiece of God. We are all made with abilities as well as limitations... this is because our limitations become our source of strength. It is what motivates us to build good character and persevering faith in God. Our limitations make us give ourselves fully to nature thus making us more open to the gifts it offers us.

God doesn't need to make us weak in order to remind us that He is stronger. Because He already is and will forever be the most powerful, the omnipotent. We could interpret why He made us this way in many ways but we would never fully understand because His reasons are beyond ours. Our perception would not entirely grasp His face, nor His eyes, nor His hands, nor His feet.


*** You want to find out what is your purpose in life? Stop. Do not move. Do not speak. Do not think. Just wait and listen carefully. You will be amazed with the answer. ***