HOW THIS BOOK IS HELPFUL TO COUNSELORS

The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

by Dr. Rick Warren

This book will teach counselors how to help their Christian clients have a more purposeful life, beginning with a proper understanding of Christian doctrine. People living life with a purpose have less depression, a greater morale, and a greater service to one's community.

Specifics include:

1. How the Bible teaches self-sacrifice, not self-fulfillment.

2. How the pursuit of materialism ultimately produces boredom.

3. The value of character qualities such as faithfulness, keeping confidentiality with others, humility, and serving others unnoticed.

4. What it means to surrender to God in obedience.

5. How to stay in continual fellowship with God through brief, conversational prayers throughout one's day.

6. How having a friendship with God includes experiences of feeling abandoned by Him, being treated unfairly, expressing bitterness, and negotiating with Him.

7. How people worship God in different ways, such as aesthetics, enthusiasts, traditionalists, and contemplatives.

8. That not feeling the presence of God does not indicate that He has abandoned us, since He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

9. That being a member of God's family will someday result in living with God forever, being completely changed into the character of Jesus Christ, and being forever free from pain, death, and suffering.

10. How the first step in resolving conflict with others is having a discussion with that person.

11. The importance of daily Bible reading in shaping one's character.

12. How God uses suffering to change us into the character and habits of Jesus Christ. How God is not distant and detached when we suffer, but rather, He Himself suffers when we suffer.

13. How to resist temptation by focusing on something else, meditating on Scripture, and being accountable to a friend.

14. That God's will for your vocation often coincides with the talents, skills, and abilities He has given you.

15. How our weaknesses are an opportunity for God to display His power and strength (II Corinthians 12:9,10).