What Drives Your Life?

Indeed that is an interesting question. It made me take a hard look at myself and reflect the driving forces of my life.


Rick Warren lists 5 of the most common driving forces of our lives in this chapter.

• Guilt- Many people live their lives burdened by past guilt. Perhaps it is regret or hiding in shame for an episode long ago. "We are products of our past but we do not have to be prisoners of it". God wants to give us fresh start. (Psalm 32:1)

• Resentment & Anger- You may feel there is some unfairness. Because of that you may feel resentful and even anger. While your offender has probably forgotten the offense and gone on with life, we may continue to feel resentful and allow it to continue to hurt us. Warren’s advice is “For your own sake, learn from it, and then let it go.” (Job 5:2)
  

• Fear - Fear is a self-imposed prison that keeps us from becoming what God intends us to be. Perhaps we fear due to an unrealistic expectation or growing up in a tightly controlled environment. During our sharing, someone mentioned that we in Singapore tend to have a fear of "losing out". We banish fear with faith and love. (1 John 4:18)
  

• Materialism - We are all driven by material things. A new phone, a new bag or a new laptop? Even a new car or a new house. We want more things because society has taught us that more is better, more can make us feel more happy, contented and even superior. Our value is not determined by our valuables. God reminds us that the most valuable things in life are not things! (Matthew 6:24)

• Need For Approval -Have you ever felt that you didn't want to disappoint your parents, friends, teachers or partners? In school or office we try to be "cool" and live our life seeking reassurance/confirmation or approval from others for the things we do. Being controlled by the opinions of other is a guaranteed way to miss God’s purposes for your life.

All these 5 reasons will lead us to unused potential, unnecessary stress, and an unfulfilled life. That is why it is important to know God's purpose in our life. In the next week, we will go through 5 benefits to knowing our purpose and lead a more meaningful (purposeful) life.

I am encouraged by this chapter and I want to look beyond the mistakes of my past. I want to live a life that God intended for me.

Care to Join me?

Purpose Driven Life
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