The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren—A Synopsis (continued). Chapter 31—Understanding Your Shape (pages 241-248) Summary Each Christian is unique (one of a kind) to the Body of Christ. God planned it that way so there would be no duplication in the world and in His Kingdom. In the last chapter two of the factors composing a Christian’s life were considered, factors that a Christians should examine in order to discover what facet of God’s ministry to which he is called. In this chapter the following three additional factors, completing one’s “s-h-a-p-e,” will be examined: 3. Abilities. These are natural talents a Christian inherits at birth. All come from God and can be used for God’s glory; therefore, the conclusion is that what a believer is able to do is what God wants him to do. 4. Personality. In all of history throughout the world there have never been two personalities exactly alike. A believer’s personality will often dictate how and where he’ll use his spiritual gifts and natural abilities. Only when a believer ministers in tune with his personality will he be fully satisfied and fruitful. 5. Experiences. God allows every believer to undergo a series of life-experiences in order to mold him for service, some of which are as follows: · Family · Educational · Vocational · Spiritual · Ministry · Painful/sorrow The last type of experiences—painful/sorrow—usually has the most impact on a believer’s overall ministry for God. Only when a Christian experiences a specific pain or sorrow can he empathetically minister to someone else who is going through a similar experience. But every Christian must be willing to share his painful experiences with others. This often means the Christian must swallow his pride and think of others before himself. Quotes “God designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world. No one has the exact same mix of factors that make you unique. That means no one else on earth will ever be able to play the role God planned for you.” (pg. 241) “Since your natural abilities are from God, they are just as important and as “spiritual” as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth.” (pg. 242) “You are a bundle of incredible abilities, an amazing creation of God.” (pg. 242) “God will never ask you to dedicate your life to a task you have no talent for. On the other hand, the abilities you do have are a strong indication of what God wants you to do with your life. They are clues to knowing God’s will for you.” (pg. 244) “God doesn’t waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities.” (pg. 244) “Your abilities were not given just to make a living; God gave them to you for your ministry.” (pg. 244) “When God made you, He broke the mold. There never has been, and never will be, anybody exactly like you.” (pg. 245) “There is no “right” or “wrong” temperament for ministry. We need all kinds of personalities to balance the church and give it flavor.” (pg. 245) “God made you to be you! You can learn from the examples of others, but you must filter what you learn through your own shape.” (pg. 245) “It feels good to do what God made you to do. When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality God gave you, you experience fulfillment, satisfaction, and fruitfulness.” (pg. 246) “God never wastes a hurt!” (pg. 246) “God intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to others.” (pg. 247) “If you really desire to be used by God, you must understand a powerful truth: The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life—the ones you’ve wanted to hide and forget—are the experiences God wants to use to help others. They are your ministry!” (pg. 247) “People are always more encouraged when we share how God’s grace helped us in weakness than when we brag about our strengths.” (pg. 247) “Only shared experiences can help others.” (pg. 248) Scriptures Psalm 139:13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Exodus 31:3-5; Romans 12:6a; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 12:6; Deuteronomy 8:18; 14:23; Malachi 3:8-11; Hebrews 13:21; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:6; Romans 8:28, 29; 2 Corinthians 1:4, 8-10. Conclusion/Comments Using one’s S-H-A-P-E is the secret of both fruitfulness and fulfillment in ministry. A believer will be most effective when; he uses his spiritual gifts and abilities in the area of his heart’s desire, and in a way that best expresses his personality and experiences. The better the fit, the more successful he will be.