The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

This introduction is a discussion concerning the relevance of the book for newer generations. Warren mentions a young individual named Mark who reached out to him, arguing for the timeless nature of the question about life’s purpose. Warren highlights that while God’s eternal purposes remain unchanged, the methods to understand and communicate them evolve. This new edition includes updated features like video introductions, audio Bible studies, additional chapters on common barriers to living purposefully, and access to an online community for support and discussion. He dedicates this edition to the new generation seeking to discover their purpose.

Warren invites commitment to the 40-day journey of discovering God’s purpose for one’s life. He emphasizes the significance of making a commitment and suggests making it a daily appointment. Warren encourages individuals to sign a covenant as a symbol of their commitment and to find a partner to join them in this journey, based on the biblical principle that shared experiences and mutual support are more effective.

The foundational concept Warren initially presents concerns the search for life’s purpose. He states that this must start with God, not with oneself. Warren challenges the common, self-centered approach of asking what one wants from life, emphasizing instead that true purpose is found in understanding and aligning with God’s will. The day’s teaching hinges on the idea that humans, being creations, cannot self-determine their ultimate purpose, similar to how an invention cannot define its own function without reference to its creator or manual. Warren suggests that many pursuits of self-fulfillment, happiness, or personal dreams, though seemingly successful, may still miss the true purpose for which one is created. This section reinforces the concept that life is successful only when it is in service to God.

According to the author, each person’s existence is intentionally crafted by God, not a result of chance. This conveys that one’s life, physical traits, talents, and circumstances are part of a divine plan. This is encapsulated in the statement, “Your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did” (26). It is argued that everyone’s conception was foreseen by God, negating the influence of fate or coincidence, and that details like race, skin color, and talents are God’s deliberate choices, with the affirmation, “God prescribed every single detail of your body” (26). Furthermore, the timing and place of birth are portrayed as part of God’s purposeful design. Warren reassures that all individuals, regardless of their birth circumstances, are integral to God’s plan, affirming their inherent value and significance in the grand scheme of creation.

Various factors are discussed that can drive an individual’s life, such as guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. These common drivers are depicted as inadequate for achieving a fulfilled life and often lead to wandering through life without purpose. The day’s teaching emphasizes that true purpose and fulfillment come from aligning one’s life with God’s purposes, rather than these earthly motivators. For instance, the text explains, “Many people are driven by guilt. They spend their entire lives running from regrets and hiding their shame” (31). A reevaluation of what motivates one’s actions and decisions is necessary, and Warren advocates for a life guided, controlled, and directed by God’s purposes. It is emphasized that knowing and living by God’s purpose is more important than success, wealth, or pleasure.

The concept of eternity is addressed in this section, particularly that earthly life is merely a temporary phase before eternal life. This underscores that life on earth is a preparatory stage for eternity, influencing how one should live presently. The chapter encourages adopting an eternal perspective that affects one’s choices and values. The text states, “Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death—in eternity—than you will here” (39). This day’s lesson is about understanding the transient nature of earthly life and the importance of preparing for eternal life. It emphasizes that living in light of eternity changes one’s approach to relationships, tasks, and life’s challenges, leading to a reordering of priorities and values​​.

This chapter begins by stating that perceptions and metaphors about life shape one’s existence and destiny. The author presents a challenge to reassess one’s perspectives, replacing them with biblical perspectives. The day introduces three biblical metaphors of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment. The concept of life as a test is explored in depth, highlighting that God tests people’s character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. This idea is exemplified in the author’s assertion, “Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity” (47). Life’s trials, temptations, and challenges are seen as opportunities for character development and spiritual growth. The metaphor of life as a trust is also explored, emphasizing stewardship of God’s gifts, including time, energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources. This metaphor calls for recognizing God as the ultimate owner of everything and living responsibly and righteously with what one is given. Understanding and living by these metaphors, the author claims, can change one’s priorities and actions, aligning them more with God’s purpose and leading to a purpose-driven life​​.

The transient nature of life on earth is framed as a temporary assignment before the eternal life. Earthly existence is brief when compared to eternity, and the author urges one to not become overly attached to worldly life. Metaphors from the Bible are used to describe life as a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and a wisp of smoke, illustrating its fleeting nature. Believers should view their time on earth as akin to living in a foreign country, not as permanent residents but as visitors or travelers. The author encourages the reader to live with the consciousness that one’s true identity and homeland are in eternity with God. There are dangers in getting too comfortable with worldly life, and adopting the values and lifestyles of the world is warned against. Living for the here and now can lead to spiritual adultery against God. The overall message of the day is that realizing life’s temporary nature should alter one’s values and actions, shifting focus from material success to eternal implications, as encapsulated in the statement, “Compared with other centuries, life has never been easier for much of the Western world. […] Only as we remember that life is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment will the appeal of these things lose their grip on our lives”​​ (52).

Day 7 opens by stating that everything in the universe, including human existence, is created to display God’s glory. God’s glory is described as the essence of His nature, radiating through His creation. This glory is visible in everything from the smallest forms of life to the vast expanse of the universe. The natural world, with its diversity and beauty, is an expression of God’s power, creativity, and love for variety.

Throughout history, God’s glory has been revealed in various forms––in the Garden of Eden, in Moses, in the tabernacle and temple, through Jesus, and now through the church. It has appeared as fire, cloud, thunder, smoke, and light, each form demonstrating a different aspect of God’s character. In heaven, God’s glory replaces the need for any other light source.

Jesus Christ, referred to as the Light of the World, is highlighted as the ultimate manifestation of God’s glory. Through Jesus, the nature of God is fully revealed, providing clarity about God’s character. Living for God’s glory is emphasized as the greatest achievement one can accomplish.

The author states that humans, along with fallen angels, are the only creations that sometimes fail to glorify God, primarily due to sin. Sin is depicted as a failure to glorify God above all else. Various ways to glorify God are outlined: worship, love for other believers, becoming Christ-like in character, serving others with personal gifts, and sharing the truth about God with others. Each of these aspects is a means to fulfill the purpose for which individuals were created, ultimately leading to glorifying God.