by Rick Warren – Discovering Why You Were Created
Introduction
Why am I here? What is the meaning of my life? Does God have a plan for me?
In the international bestseller A Purpose Driven Life, pastor and author Rick Warren offers a transformative 40-day spiritual journey that helps readers discover their God-given purpose. More than just self-help, this book is rooted in the Bible and shows that we were made by God and for God — and life only makes sense when we start living with that truth.
1. You Are Not an Accident
The first and most powerful truth of the book is that you were created by God on purpose.
“It’s not about you,” Warren boldly states in the opening line.
God designed you with a specific reason in mind:
- He created you out of love
- Your birth was intentional
- Your life has meaning, even in pain
- Your story fits into His bigger plan
This realization shifts the focus from self-centered living to God-centered living — the first step toward real purpose.
2. You Were Made for God’s Pleasure – Worship
The first purpose Rick Warren presents is that we were created to worship God.
Worship is more than singing songs in church — it is living to please God in everything:
- Praying
- Thanking Him
- Trusting in difficulties
- Obeying His Word
- Offering our everyday life to Him
True worship happens when we delight in God and know He delights in us.
3. You Were Formed for God’s Family – Fellowship
The second purpose is fellowship — we were made to be part of God’s family.
God created us to live in community, not isolation:
- We are adopted as His children through Christ
- The church is our spiritual family
- We are called to love, serve, and forgive one another
- Relationships help us grow and stay accountable
Rick Warren explains that spiritual maturity happens best in loving relationships — and that the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone.
4. You Were Created to Become Like Christ – Discipleship
God’s goal is not comfort, but character. The third purpose is to grow spiritually and become like Jesus.
This involves:
- Letting the Holy Spirit transform your mind
- Facing trials that shape your heart
- Studying Scripture and applying it
- Practicing spiritual disciplines
- Choosing obedience over feelings
The book reminds us that Christlikeness is a process, and God uses everything — good and bad — to shape us for eternity.
5. You Were Shaped to Serve God – Ministry
The fourth purpose is serving — using your talents and time to bless others.
Warren teaches that:
- Every believer is a minister, not just pastors
- God gives each person spiritual gifts and passions
- Your past experiences, even painful ones, can be used to help others
- The church exists to equip you to serve
Real joy and fulfillment come when we stop living for ourselves and start serving in love.
6. You Were Made for a Mission – Evangelism
The final purpose is your mission: sharing the good news of Jesus with others.
Rick Warren challenges readers to:
- Live on mission in your daily life
- Share your story of faith
- Pray for the lost
- Support global missions
- Be bold, yet compassionate, with the gospel
Every Christian is a missionary, whether across the street or across the world. Your life has eternal impact when you lead others to Christ.
7. Living with Eternal Purpose
Throughout the 40-day journey, Warren emphasizes eternity. Life on earth is temporary, but how we live now matters forever.
He encourages us to:
- Live intentionally
- Make daily choices with God’s purposes in mind
- Let go of distractions
- Keep our focus on what truly matters
The book ends with practical tools and questions for reflection, journaling, and action, making the message deeply personal.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Live for What You Were Made For
A Purpose Driven Life is not just a book — it’s a call to live differently. It doesn’t offer quick fixes or shallow advice, but a spiritual blueprint for a life filled with meaning, peace, and impact.
If you’ve ever wondered what your life is really about, or if you feel stuck in routine or regret, this book will remind you that God is not finished with you yet.
You were created with purpose.
You are loved deeply by your Creator.
You were made to live for something greater.
