One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God

by C. Samuel Storms

The goal of our creation was not simply that we might be happy, but happy in appreciating God's own glory. Not in reviewing our own accomplishments or in the enjoyment of our own sensual appetites. Not in the development of a healthy self-esteem or in the acquisition of a four-bedroom home with a three-car garage. We were made to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Nothing is more important than understanding this truth. This inspiring work helps us see that beauty has the power to convince the inquiring mind of truth. The soul's contact with God's beauty elicits love and forges in us a new affection that no earthly power can overcome. Enjoying God in the revelation of his beauty is the solution to our struggle with sin, the catalyst for substantive and lasting change and is the soul's satisfaction, with which no rival pleasure can hope to compete. So what is it about God that when known and seen and experienced empowers the human soul to feel sickened in the presence of sin and satisfied in the divine embrace? That word Beauty. Apatheism affects not just those outside the church but those inside the church who can't be bothered with their own religion let alone someone else's.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Spirituality

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sasha Kilmurray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very good but some parts a bit complicated and jargony

[Tina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be forever be changed after contemplating the future glory and beauty of God. Sam expounds on the beauty of God in the world and in the one to come, chapter by chapter, drawing us into His story.

[Nate Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, very encouraging! Sam has a very strong focus on intimacy with the Lord as the way to keep us from sin and to keep us focused and burning with Him.

[Nick Prodromou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes.

Desiring God but different.

[Steve Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read in a while!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a little repetitive and closely tied to John Piper's way of communicating thanks to voices that echo Jonathan Edwards, this book was one of my favorites from this summer!

This is one of those books that reminds me how true it is that mere sentences and not entire books often have the most impact. Storms provided a timely reminder of all that is mine in God Himself. This reminder was accompanied and helped by the truth that beholding is becoming. To feast upon God and to become satisfied in Him and to be one who imitates Him, I must continue steeping myself in His Word. God is at work in the lives of His people and part of that work involves their study of Him through His Word.

Read this book to encourage your soul. It will help your fight for joy in Him. It will remind you that you DO have a possession greater than anything you may be tempted with here. To God be the glory!!!

[Kate Nizienski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. However, it seemed to dwell upon the importance of seeking God without bringing up any new thought or concept to the matter, rather just used new terms. I do find the reminder to dwell on Christ quite important. I thought the concept to be a good idea but I had to force myself to get through the chapters on the small majesty and giant glory (or whatever the chapter titles be) without skimming too much because the calculations were quite boring after the first page. I think Storms' thoughts on this were better when I heard him speak in person rather than read in a book.

[Devon Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is the perfect follow-up to anyone who has read Desiring God. If Piper is the progenitor and synthesizer to Christian Hedonism, Storms is the teacher and extrapolator. He takes Piper's ideas to deeper and clearer levels, exploring the beauty of God and why He is so desirable. I know many do not understand Christian Hedonism at its core, but this book is immensely helpful in getting there. I highly recommend it.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Worship connects our souls with the transcendent power of God and awakens in us appreciation for true beauty. It pulls back the veil of deception and exposes the ugliness of sin and Satan. Worship is a joyful rebuke of the world. When our hearts are riveted on Jesus everything else in life becomes so utterly unnecessary and we become far less demanding."

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is an awesome book. It helps you to see how God is self-evident in all of His Creation, which really makes you want to learn more about His Creation. It also makes you want to study, meditate on, and memorize God's Word.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This guys is pretty good speaker who is not a very good writer. I saw him speak a couple years ago and got his book at the retreat and was very dissapointed. It was boring and dragged on way longer than it needed to.

[Bendick Ong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book written on David's sole desire in Psalm 27:4. What is that one thing in your life? The problem with people nowadays is we have too much choices- tv channels, video games, digital books, electronic gadgets.. What is that one thing that we should really focus on?

[Bo White · Rating 4 out of 5]

quotable....we will never be attracted to that which isn't beautiful in our eyes....

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite...if you've heard him speak, he uses the same words almost exactly in the book. Interesting ideas, though.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my very favorites. It isn't long, but it is full of jewels concerning our enjoyment of God. It's one that I need to read over and over!!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read on a topic we as Christians should thing about more often.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good to excellent. Clear, interesting, convicting, encouraging. Regular quotes from Jonathan Edwards are a plus, too.

[Robert Iannuccilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book... If you like John Piper, who loves Jonathan Edwards, you'll thoroughly enjoy reading this.

[Jeannene Simonton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Piper-esque in content but I liked his focus on the beauty of God.