A Real Pilgrim's Progress: A Purpose Driven Life

A Purpose Driven Life Chapter 32 - Using What God Gave You

Chapter Overview: 'What you are is God's gift to you. What you do with yourself is your gift to God'. Danish proverb. God deserves your best. 'Do you best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.' 2 Tim 2:15.

2011 (40 years old)

I pretty much had the idea where Rick was going in this chapter based off of the last chapter. He encourages the reader to prayerfully look at who they are, what they are good at, what they aren't, what they enjoy, and what they don't. He has a few other suggestions that I thought were good. He says the reader should be very aware of where their gifts/abilities are confirmed by others, and not just trust their own judgement. Rick also suggests trying different things to see what you are good at rather than guessing or simply not knowing. He said he never would have known he was a good teacher unless he had actually tried it. I think this is good advice but at the same time people need to be aware and objective (if that's possible) about their 'try'. If I based my whole computer experience on how things went at Computability, I don't know if I would be where I am now. The context of the 'try' has a big (and perhaps skewed) bearing on how it goes for you. Providence is also a factor in all of this I believe.... So any more thoughts on who I am?

2016 (45 years old)

How can I make the best use of what God has given me? This is a great chapter full of good, wise thoughts. Two spring out at me off the top of my head: don't compare yourself to others - if you fall short you'll get discouraged; if you come out better you'll get prideful. 2 Cor 10:12 The second is start doing things to find out what you're good at. Look for the fruit. If it didn't work, call it an experiment. If there are people following you then you're a leader and you've got fruit.

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