Sermon - 22th January 06

The verb 'drive' is defined as 'to guide, control, or to direct'. What is, or are, the driving forces in your life?

Step back from the everyday, surface driving forces in your life (e.g. time pressures of work, schedules of family etc) and think about what some of the background, under-the-surface, driving forces may be for you.

Rick Warren in his book, 'The Purpose Driven Life', suggests there are five common driving forces in peoples' lives:

*Many people are driven by guilt: running from regrets, shame, memories - often unconciously punishing themselves. Such people allow the past to control the future.
But though we are products of the past, we don't have to be prisoners of it. God's purpose is not limited by your past. God specializes in giving people a fresh start.

*Many people are driven by resentment and anger: holding on to hurts, pain, never releasing them through forgiveness.
Some internalize it, others explode - neither response is good. We must not let the past continue to hurt us, let it go.

*Many people are driven by fear: avoiding risks, not venturing out. Consequently, great opportunities are missed.
Fear is a self-imposed prison keeping us from what God intends us to be. We must move against it with the weapons of faith and love.

*Many people are driven by materialism: the desire to acquire, to have more, becomes the perceived road to happiness.
But possessions only give temporary happiness. The most valuable things in life are not things. Real happiness, security and worth are found in relationship - especially with God.

*Many people are driven by the need for approval: trying to earn the plaudits from influential people in life.
However, one key to failure is trying to please everyone. Being controlled by the opinion of others is a sure way to miss God's purpose for your life.

A purpose driven life - one guided, controlled, directed by God is more important than anything. No amount of success, wealth, fame, pleasure can compensate for knowing a life with true meaning and purpose.

There are five great benefits of living a purpose driven life:

*Knowing your purpose gives meaning to life: The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.
To find that purpose, you need God. God says Jer 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you.' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' and if we feel we face an impossible situation, God says Eph3:20 (God)'... is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.'

*Knowing your purpose simplifies life: your purpose becomes the standard by which you evaluate which activities are essential and which aren't.

*Knowing your purpose focuses your life: you become effective by being selective.
Concentrated = powerful

*Knowing your purpose motivates your life: producing energy and passion.

*Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity: preparing an eternal legacy for the day we stand test before God.

On that day, only two crucial questions will be asked:

** What did you do with my son, Jesus Christ?

** What did you do with what I gave you?

The first question will determine where you spend eternity, the second will determine what you do in eternity.

Bible passages to consider:

Jeremiah 29:4-14

Mark 10:17-31

Questions to ponder:

*Living on purpose is the path to peace

*What do you feel most people's lives are driven by?

What has been the driving force in your life?

*What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life?

What do I want it to be?

*Up to this point, what image or metaphor best describes your life?

A race, a circus, something else?