Desiring God by John Piper (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the epilogue (Why I have written this book).
Piper now gives us seven reasons why he wrote the book:
(i) It's My Pleasure;
(ii) God Is Breathtaking;
(iii) The Word of God Commands Us to Pursue Our Joy;
(iv) Affections Are Essential to the Christian Life, Not Optional;
(v) Christian Hedonism Combats Pride and Self-Pity;
(vi) Christian Hedonism Promotes Genuine Love for People;
(vii) Christian Hedonism Glorifies God.
Piper gave us a good contrast between the two manifestations of pride: 'The nature and depth of human pride are illuminated by comparing boasting to self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, "I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much." Self-pity says, "I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much." Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing.'
May God grant us the grace to avoid both boasting and self-pity.
Next week's reading
Read Appendix 1 (Goal of God in redemptive history) and Appendix 2 (Is the Bible a reliable guide to lasting joy).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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