You've probably asked yourself this question and may already know the purpose of your existence. Being a student of Rick Warren's purpose driven life, I believe the answer to this question can be found in 2 places, the first is in the Bible, the second is in your heart; let me explain.

Rick Warren teaches that there are five reasons for our existence. The first is for Worship. God’s purpose for us is to bring praises to him, exalt his holy name and join the host of heaven in bringing glory to him. When you worship God you spend your time in his presence, which brings him glory. Since time is the most precious resource that cannot be replaced, spending time with God and in his presence is a big deal. The second purpose for our existence is for Fellowship. God wants us to spend time in his presence with other Christians. Fellowship serves multiple purposes, it brings corporate praise, worship and prayers, and it edifies all in the body of Christ and creates an avenue for upliftment. Fellowship also provides for a place to show God’s love amongst other things. Fellowshipping with other believes is a way of showing love which is the greatest commandment. The third purpose for our existence is for Discipleship. Discipleship is choosing to live a Christ-like life. It is choosing to accept the redemption Christ has provided and pursuing a life that mirrors his. To become like Christ, we must forsake all old ways. It will however be unrealistic to think all old ways will change the moment you give your life to Christ. It will take us time to “nearly” have a full change of heart, for we will never reach that final destination here on earth. In addition, a calling is not something you just know the moment you see it, it is something you grow into. So when Christ calls you to him, it may take sometime for some to answer fully and start living the Christ-like life they've been called to.

The fourth purpose Rick teaches for our existence is for ministry or service; this is where you’ll likely find your passion. Your passion can be found within you. It is the vacuum God has created within you that needs to be filled. That desire to get something done, be a change agent or spread love through a medium within your reach could very well be your passion. It could be what God has planted in you to bring forth to the world. The fifth and last reason for our existence is to fulfill the great commission. In the book of Matthew, chapter 28 and verses 19-20, the word says “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” This great commission is our charge to the world to bring them to the light. It is spreading the good news and the gospel to as many that have not heard of it. In this day and age however, there aren’t too many people in most circles that haven’t heard the gospel, it is therefore our responsibility to make sure they understand it and convert to living a Christ-like life.

So, the answer to that question of why on earth are you here can be found in the Bible and within you. Your worship, your fellowship, your discipleship and your obedience to the great commission are reasons enough to exist. But if you need one more reason, search within yourself. Find that which burns within you needing resolution, what are you passionate about?

Best wishes,

L.B.

#Purpose #Life