Purpose Driven Life

[kayre]

Summary: “Compared with eternity, life is extremely brief... earth is only a temporary residence... so don’t get too attached.”

My thoughts: The second quotation, at the chapter head, is another very broad paraphrase: Ps. 119:19 “I am here on earth for just a little while.”

I’m suddenly noticing how heavily Warren leans on the Old Testament and the various New Testament letters; on average, most chapters have about 5 OT quotes, 7 NT letters quotes, and ONE gospel quote.

Philippians 4:4 is, ironically enough, actually about dealing properly with our earthly relationships, when read in context-- not about detachment. 2 Corinthians 5:20 is about being ambassadors in the sense of promoting our ‘country’;’ the passage isn’t about divided loyalties, as Warren implies. 1 Corinthians 7:31 is an apocalyptic passage that really doesn’t figure into Methodist theology. Seems like Warren had to stretch a bit to make his point in this chapter.

“In order to keep us from becoming too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life... We’re not completely happy here because we’re not supposed to be!” Gee, what a kind, loving God /end sarcasm. I notice this point isn’t supported by Scriptural references.

What does 1 Peter 2:11 have to do with “temporary crowns”?

Regardeless of how we feel about heaven, about eternity, there must be balance between that and living here and now. I’m sure that’s why he isn’t using Gospel quotes; Jesus was very earthy compared to Paul. An awful lot of the OT is about earthly life, too-- he has to lean on Psalms and Job, for the most part.