What drives your life-- Day 3 Purpose-Driven Life

Ecclesiastes 4:4--"I observed that the basic motive for success is the driving force of envy and jealousy!"

"The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder- a waif, a nothing, a no man." Thomas Carlyle

Everyones life is driven by something. What is the driving force in your life? There are hundreds of circumstances, values, and emotions that can drive your life. There are 5 common ones:

1) Many people are driven by guilt. Guilt are manipulated by memories. They allow the past to control their future. They punish themselves by sabotaging their own success. Lots of people let that allow them to wander through life without a purpose. We are products of our past but we dont have to be prisoners of it. God's purpose is not limited by our pasts. God specializes in giving people a fresh start.

2) Many people are driven by resentment and anger. They hold onto hurts and never get over them. Some resentment driven people "clam-up" and internalize their anger while others "blow-up" and explode it onto others.

Those who have hurt you in the past cannot continue to hurt you now unless you hold onto the pain through resentment. Your past is past! Nothing will change it. For your own sake learn from it and let it go!

3) Many people are driven by fear. Fear-driven people often miss out on great opportunities because they're afraid to venture out. Instead they play it safe, avoiding risks and trying to maintain the status quo. Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends you to be.

4) Many people are driven by materialism. Their desire to acquire becomes the whole goal of their lives. This drive to always want more is based on the misconception that having more will make me happy. Posessions only provide temporary happiness. Self worth and net worth are not the same. God says the most valuable things in life are not things! Real security can only be found in that which can never be taken from you--your relationship with God!

5) Many people are driven by the need for approval. They allow the expectations of parents or spouses or children or teachers or friends to control their lives. some are driven by peer pressure always worried by what others might think.

*One key to failure is trying to please everyone.

Being controlled by the opinions of others is a guaranteed way to miss God's purposes for your life.

*Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life
*Knowing your purpose simplifies your life
*Knowing your purpose focuses your life
*Knowing your purpose motivates your life
*Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity

Isaiah 26:3--"You Lord give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you."

Question to consider: What would my friends and family say is the driving force in my life? What do I want it to be?