What is the purpose of life? This is a question that many people have asked themselves. And it’s a question that we should be asking ourselves on a regular basis. We need structure in our lives if we are going to be successful in recovery. And at the very core of having a structure in place, is having a purpose in life. In other words, it’s a lot easier to implement an action plan in our lives when we know why we’re doing it.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren sets out the five purposes that he believes are the most fundamental and most important in any believers life.
The first is that we were made to worship God. The very first line of the book is, “It’s not about you.” The sooner that we realize that our lives are about worshiping, obeying and pleasing God, the sooner our recovery can begin. God says it isn’t about me, and working through that sense of entitlement to get to a place where I’m obedient to God is a huge recovery step.
The second purpose is that we were made to have fellowship with other believers. There is no such thing as a “lone ranger” Christian. Our recovery is so tied in to having others around us that it is one of the most important things you’ll ever do in your journey to sobriety.
The third purpose is that we were made to be like Christ. That kind of maturity takes work. Spend at least 15 minutes in the Word and in prayer every day. No one can become mature in Christ without spending time in His Word and in prayer.
The fourth purpose is that we were made to serve God. And most of serving God is serving His children. You may want to step up in your support group and start providing some leadership. God doesn’t want you on the sidelines, and He doesn’t want you just showing up. Pray for a servant’s heart, and for God to open the door for you in ministry.
And finally, we were made for a mission. And that mission is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, whether that be actively witnessing to our friends, family, co-workers or neighbors, or sharing with other guys in recovery what God has done for you. Read over what the 12th step says sometime. The bottom line is you can’t keep it unless you give it away.
These are five of God’s purposes for your life. Go back over them and see which one is most lacking in your life, and in your recovery, and pray this week that God will help you to implement it. And then go for it. See what exciting things God brings into your life!
Dave – a New Life Network Counselor