Quotes about Purpose

As I entered a home to make a pastoral visit, the person I came to see was sitting at a window embroidering a piece of cloth held taut on an oval hoop. She said, "Pastor, while waiting for you to come I realized what's wrong with me—I don't have a frame. My feelings, my thoughts, my activities—everything is loose and sloppy. There is no border to my life. I never know where I am. I need a frame for my life like this one I have for my embroidery.

God did not become a servant so that we could order him around but so that we could join him in a redemptive life.

No matter if we come home with the Olympic gold or make a million dollars or pioneer the exploration of space or move the world with some artistic performance or discover the cure to cancer—if we do not love, it is not satisfactory. No matter if we are responsible and work hard and do our jobs well and stay out of trouble and are respected, if we do not love, then somehow we have failed. If we live but do not love, we miss it.

The life of faith has the support of an entire creation and the resources of a magnificent redemption. The structure of this world was created by God so we can live in it easily and happily as his children. The history we walk in has been repeatedly entered by God, most notably in Jesus Christ, first to show us and then to help us live full of faith and exuberant with purpose.

What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Human excellence means nothing unless it works with the consent of God.

Religion is like a map. The route isn't important. It's the destination that matters.

No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can create something remarkable of his life.

Activate yourself to duty by remembering your position, who you are, and what you have obliged yourself to be.

Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.

I always loved music, but I didn't know if I could be the kind of artist that makes a difference.

When you see people your own age afflicted and experiencing life-threatening illnesses, I think it prompts you to apply to yourself the philosophy, 'I want to do the best I know how to do every day.'