"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible... everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." - Colossians 1:16 (MSG)
Welcome to our 40-day journey through Rick Warren’s transformational book, “The Purpose-Driven Life.” Today marks the beginning of what could be the most important spiritual adventure you’ll ever take. And it starts with a truth that might challenge everything you’ve been taught about finding purpose: It’s not about you.
The Wrong Starting Point
How many times have we heard the advice: “Look within yourself to find your purpose”? Self-help gurus, motivational speakers, and even well-meaning friends tell us to ask questions like:
- What do I want to be?
- What should I do with my life?
- What are my goals and dreams?
But here’s the revolutionary truth Warren presents: Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose.
Think about it this way – if someone handed you a mysterious invention you’d never seen before, would the invention itself know its purpose? Of course not. Only the creator or the owner’s manual could reveal what it was designed for.
The God-Centered Approach
Warren reminds us that we didn’t create ourselves, so we can’t determine our own purpose. The Bible is clear: “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power.”
This isn’t just theological theory – it’s practical reality. You exist because God wills that you exist. You were made by God and for God. Until we understand this fundamental truth, life will never make complete sense.
Two Paths to Purpose
Warren presents us with two options for discovering our life’s purpose:
1. Speculation
This is what most people choose – guessing, theorizing, and conjuring up their best ideas about life’s meaning. Even brilliant philosophers throughout history have done little more than make educated guesses.
2. Revelation
This is God’s alternative – turning to what He has revealed about life in His Word. The Bible serves as our “Owner’s Manual,” explaining why we’re alive, how life works, and what God’s purposes are for us.
Three Life-Changing Insights
From Ephesians 1:11-12, Warren extracts three powerful truths about your purpose:
- You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This isn’t about religion – it’s about relationship.
- God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about Him. Your purpose predates your conception. It was planned before you existed, without your input.
- Your purpose fits into God’s much larger, cosmic plan. You’re not just living for yourself – you’re part of something eternally significant.
A Personal Reflection
Russian novelist Andrei Bitov, raised under atheistic Communism, experienced a moment of clarity while riding the metro in Leningrad. Overwhelmed with despair, a phrase suddenly appeared in his mind: “Without God life makes no sense.” That phrase became his moving staircase out of darkness and into God’s light.
Perhaps you’ve felt that same darkness about your purpose. Today marks your opportunity to step into the light.
Moving Forward
As we begin this 40-day journey together, let’s embrace this foundational truth: Our lives are not our own. We were created for God’s pleasure and purposes, not merely our own fulfillment.
This doesn’t diminish our significance – it magnifies it. When we align our lives with God’s purposes, we discover meaning beyond our wildest dreams.
Day 1 Reflection Questions:
- Point to Ponder: It’s not about me.
- Verse to Remember: “Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” – Colossians 1:16b (MSG)
- Question to Consider: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?
Your Turn: Take a moment today to surrender your self-centered approach to purpose. Ask God to reveal His heart for your life. Remember – you’re about to discover not just a purpose, but the purpose you were created for.
Join me tomorrow as we continue this transformative journey. Until then, rest in this truth: You were made by God, for God, and your life has eternal significance in His grand design.
Are you following along with our 40-day Purpose-Driven Life journey? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. Let’s encourage each other as we discover God’s amazing purposes for our lives together.
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
