The Purpose Driven Life

[sparrow1029]

I noticed that a lot of people are reading Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life." I am too, and I wondered what do you all think of it? Has God used it to minister to you or inspire you? What day/chapter are you on? I wanted to pose this question to the young adults forum, cause I know a lot of us are making choices now that will impact our futures. Is the book helping you with those kind of choices?

 

[PennylessZ28]

Yes very much so. I have been reading it now for awhile. I am on Day 14, and I think this chapter will really speak to me.

The book has already answered a lot of questions and put things into prespective and made me think differently about how to have a relationship with God.

I try to read a chapter a day, then the next day before I read again do a review of my previous chapters and thoughts.

I am enjoying the book very much. There is a lot to reflect on.

 

[Pope Gonzo]

I'm on chapter 11, and I've had mixed feelings. I've been trying to have a good attitude about the book, but there have been 2 things that gave me trouble with that: 1)my mom recommended the book - we argue a lot, and we don't see eye to eye on anything; 2)it's extremely popular, and I don't put much faith in "popular" books being worth reading. But like I said, I've been praying for a good attitude about the book. I'm on the 11th day, and I'm starting to come around. I really wasn't a fan of taking the first five days to give the salvation message. Seriously, 99.99% of the people reading the book are gonna be saved... and anyone who isn't saved isn't going to be saved by this book. Another thing that bugs me is how much he drags it all on. It's like, come on, every single one of these chapters could be half its length. I set aside over an hour for prayer and study in the morning, and I'm finding myself rushed because of the book.

But I'm starting to come around. It makes some really good(extremely drawn out) points.

 

[PennylessZ28]

I'm on chapter 11, and I've had mixed feelings. I've been trying to have a good attitude about the book, but there have been 2 things that gave me trouble with that: 1)my mom recommended the book - we argue a lot, and we don't see eye to eye on anything; 2)it's extremely popular, and I don't put much faith in "popular" books being worth reading. But like I said, I've been praying for a good attitude about the book. I'm on the 11th day, and I'm starting to come around. I really wasn't a fan of taking the first five days to give the salvation message. Seriously, 99.99% of the people reading the book are gonna be saved... and anyone who isn't saved isn't going to be saved by this book. Another thing that bugs me is how much he drags it all on. It's like, come on, every single one of these chapters could be half its length. I set aside over an hour for prayer and study in the morning, and I'm finding myself rushed because of the book.

But I'm starting to come around. It makes some really good(extremely drawn out) points.

Wow, that is some opinion. Well I can tell you that I started reading this book not as a christian. I have always believed in God, but I was one of those people who just believed in the back of thier mind but still lived the way the rest of the world does.

This book has opened my mind and changed my prespective of thinking. And I have been saved by it.

I gave it to a friend, who was also a non believer, and she is saved now too.

I can't agree with the dragging on part. I think its all written very well.

Perhapps you are reading the book for the wrong reasons.

 

[sparrow1029]

I dunno--I think you both have a point.

First, Pennyless, I think thats awesome that the book brought you to God, and that it did the same for your friend. I can't imagine higher praise than that.

I did think the beginning dragged a little--but that could be because I've learned those particular lessons other ways already, so it was more review for me. The stuff thats really hitting me is what I'm reading now, about using your gifts to serve God. I think Warren has some excellent, sensible advice about it, and its inspired me to try out a ministry at church I might not have otherwise considered.

Anyway, Pope Gonzo, yeah, I get what you mean about being skeptical of "popular books." There have been several Christian book crazes that I couldn't even believe. But, you did the right thing in checking out the book for yourself (its just as bad not to read a book 'cause everyone else is, as it is to read it because everyone else is--either way, you're still letting popular opinion influence you).

 

[Grommit]

I'm on chapter 12 of the book and so far it has really helped me focus my time and energy on getting to know God.

I too worried that I was going along with a fad, but, as I read this book more and more it really helps me clear up many of the questions I had. If anything it helps me see things in a different perspective.

I can't wait to get through this book. I hear it really gets good towards the end.

 

[pmarquette]

sparrow1029
Junior Member
have you read the book " Silver Boxes ?" about giving and receiving compliments .... Many times , our inability to receive " well done , good and faithful servant " is the biggest mountain in a " purpose driven life "

We either build great things as a result of a Vision [ Prov 29.18 ] or to show others we can move mountains [ Mk 11.23-4 ]

If the vision , or epiphany [ God encounter ] is big enough , the facts don't count .... I can do all things with God , as Jesus did , simply hear and obey
- just a thought
paul

 

[sparrow1029]

have you read the book " Silver Boxes ?" about giving and receiving compliments .... Many times , our inability to receive " well done , good and faithful servant " is the biggest mountain in a " purpose driven life "

paul

Thanks for the book suggestion Paul! I was just thinking about this issue (that is, the inability to receive compliments). Because I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I have a hard time believing that anything I do is good enough. This hinders me in serving--I sometimes don't get involved because I don't think I can live up to my own standards. Pretty silly, huh? God's working on that part of my personality, thank goodness Can you let me know who wrote the book?

 

[Super Gnat]

I just finished reading it a few weeks ago. Awesome book.

 

[Hewitt]

Good book, very close to finishing it. My only caution is that he has a tendancy to take verses out of context from time to time. His points are still good, but he does twist scripture every once and a while.