I can imagine some people actually being offended by some things that he says - that simply going to work and raising your kids aren't all that God has called you to. He comes right out and calls people to bigger and better things. I agree with the gist of the other reviewers.I would also like to add that this book is probably a bit more hard hitting than his other stuff. To that end, Piper implores the reader "in the name of Jesus to wake up, and enlarge your heart, and stretch your mind, and spread your wings." For when all is said and done, what really matters is that those who are lost are lost no more. Ultimately, the overarching theme of this book is winning others to Christ by our lives, and if necessary, by our words. However, the last chapter reveals Piper's heart: missions. Risk-taking, suffering, and the workplace are all arenas where we can glorify God and enjoy Him as we lead our daily lives. For as Piper states, "only what's done for Christ will last." Each chapter of "Don't Waste Your Life" deals with different aspects of magnifying Christ. How many of us feel that we've somehow managed to settle for complacency and boredom instead of the risk and passion that we dream about? In the Christian's case, how many are just playing it safe by focusing on the 'thou-shalt-nots' instead of actually stepping out in faith to DO God's will? These are difficult questions to answer honestly, but we must do so for our own eternal good. Movies and TV series like "Office Space" and "The Office" strike a nerve because we identify with their main theme - the futility of the average life. John Piper is one of the giants of modern Christian writing, and this book is another showcase of his gifts. "Don't Waste Your Life" is a stand-out book among this crowd. The latest trend appears to be on rising above the ordinary and living passionately for Christ. It seems that Christian publishers tend to simultaneously release books that deal with similar themes (work of the Holy Spirit, grace, etc.). Several years ago, I read a chapter written by Piper in a book on expository preaching called Feed My Sheep. Three main points I want to highlight here are Piper's comments on suffering, on vocation, and on global missions. A theme that I am seeing more and more of in Piper's writings is that being loved by God does not mean that God makes much of us, but rather that God has done all that is necessary to enable us to make much of Him forever. Many of the phrases that recur in all of his writings ("God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," "Missions exists because worship does not", et al.) are found in this book as well, but his autobiographical sketch allows us to follow him on the life journey that led to the discovery of these wonderful truths. Piper's autobiographical glimpses in the early chapters are a blessing to one like me who has enjoyed his writings for many years. Inside the pages of the book, the wound grew deeper, but it was a cut toward healing. But like a mirror - not one of those funhouse mirrors that you know is making fun of how you look - but a true mirror that reveals the awful blemish that scars us, Piper's words pierced me. And I confess that on far too many days, that is what I long for more than the daily grind of being stretched and stressed in the work of ministry. See my shells.' That is a tragedy." As I read those words, I thought, "Oh my! That is the American Dream isn't it?" That is what most of the folks in the congregations I have served would think is success in life. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler, play softball, and collect shells.' Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment: 'Look Lord. Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader's Digest: A couple 'took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 50 and she was 51. "I will tell you what a tragedy is," Piper writes. What drew me to the book was the humbling story that graces the back of the book. Now on to the book - Don't Waste Your Life. He chuckled with me about that, and assured me, just days before his surgery that he was "alive and well." He did endure that surgery very well from reports I read online, and for that we praise God. I told him that I had quoted him so often in conversation that my wife just assumed that he died 200 years ago (I don't quote many who are still around - dead preachers don't change their minds). Piper at the Conference, I found him to be a gracious and humble man. From Having heard John Piper speak at the NC Evangelism Conference (by the way - great conference and the messages are available for free download at and knowing that he was preparing for major prostate surgery, I felt compelled to read yet another of the works of this great man of God.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |