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Sipping Saltwater: How to find lasting satisfaction in a world of thirst
A unique angle on the problem of idolatry and how it affects Christians, particularly in our contemporary culture of numerous hidden idols.
The uniqueness of this book comes in the metaphor of sipping saltwater. Even as Christians, we 'sip' on idols such as money, relationships, careers, sex, food, human approval…the list is endless. These things promise to satisfy us—to quench our thirst. In the end, however, they fail to do so and leave us thirstier than we were before drinking them. To make matters worse, we are left with devastating hangovers—the negative consequences of our idolatry.
This book enables readers to identify their own source(s) of saltwater and explains how to quench their thirst with Jesus’ living water—the only drink that will ever truly satisfy us both now and for eternity. It inspires readers to go on in the Christian life as they started—by making Jesus the centre of our lives and giving our worship to him.
The uniqueness of this book comes in the metaphor of sipping saltwater. Even as Christians, we 'sip' on idols such as money, relationships, careers, sex, food, human approval…the list is endless. These things promise to satisfy us—to quench our thirst. In the end, however, they fail to do so and leave us thirstier than we were before drinking them. To make matters worse, we are left with devastating hangovers—the negative consequences of our idolatry.
This book enables readers to identify their own source(s) of saltwater and explains how to quench their thirst with Jesus’ living water—the only drink that will ever truly satisfy us both now and for eternity. It inspires readers to go on in the Christian life as they started—by making Jesus the centre of our lives and giving our worship to him.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2017
24 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Steve Hoppe
3 books5 followersSteve Hoppe was born in Chicago and educated at the University of Illinois, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He has served in urban ministry for over a decade and is currently a pastor, counselor, author, and speaker with Park Community Church in Chicago. Steve is married to his best friend Abby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 15, 2025
A thoughtful and convicting book.
February 18, 2019
WOW, this book was great!
September 14, 2018
We are all sipping saltwater, idols that we think and probably hope will solve what it is that beleaguers us. But it is Jesus we are really thirsty for, because he is the only one that satisfies. Hoppe presents the truth, walks us through our challenges, and calls us to Christ. Take up and drink.
December 27, 2019
Really well written Christian book on the things we get addicted to that harm us and prevent us from relying on God. Encouraging and challenging
February 11, 2018
This book is an engaging and insightful look into our struggle with idolatry. Steve’s writing is thought-provoking, yet easy to understand. What I appreciated in particular:
First: He connects with the reader by sharing examples of his personal struggles with idolatry. He leads well with vulnerability and transparency.
Second: He uses helpful tools to illustrate his points, while always backing them with examples from scripture. In one chapter, he describes the “god”, “garbage”, “gift” approach we take towards the things God gives us. I’m guilty of allowing information to go into one ear and out the other, so I appreciate these simple concepts that actually stick.
Steve did not write this book for the academic or intellectual praise. His writing shows his genuine heart for blessing others, in whatever season of life they are in. This an excellent read that warrants self-reflection, discussion, and prayer with others that also struggle with idolatry (which is all of us!).
First: He connects with the reader by sharing examples of his personal struggles with idolatry. He leads well with vulnerability and transparency.
Second: He uses helpful tools to illustrate his points, while always backing them with examples from scripture. In one chapter, he describes the “god”, “garbage”, “gift” approach we take towards the things God gives us. I’m guilty of allowing information to go into one ear and out the other, so I appreciate these simple concepts that actually stick.
Steve did not write this book for the academic or intellectual praise. His writing shows his genuine heart for blessing others, in whatever season of life they are in. This an excellent read that warrants self-reflection, discussion, and prayer with others that also struggle with idolatry (which is all of us!).
August 4, 2018
Sipping Saltwater is an excellent little book on idolatry. It is well written, punchy even. The writing is short, quick, and incisive. Hoppe keeps the book moving making it a quick read. But it's a read you should keep going back to again and again.
What I found especially helpful, in comparison to say, Keller's Counterfeit Gods, was Hoppe's paradigm of god-garbage-gift. This is a helpful lens to view God's gifts from.
After only reading a few chapters of this book I immediately decided that I will read this to my family around the table after dinner is finished.
Hopefully, a more in-depth review will follow.
What I found especially helpful, in comparison to say, Keller's Counterfeit Gods, was Hoppe's paradigm of god-garbage-gift. This is a helpful lens to view God's gifts from.
After only reading a few chapters of this book I immediately decided that I will read this to my family around the table after dinner is finished.
Hopefully, a more in-depth review will follow.
January 30, 2018
This book is a very easy read yet convicting especially due to the subject it speaks about and one we often overlook. Steve Hoppe does a bang up job of tackling the subject of idolatry and points out how we can often idolize something turning it into a god or how we can go on the other end of the spectrum to demonize them. This book is a good read if you want a little bit of a challenge in your walk with God and to possibly expose idols you may not realize you may of had and that it ever points you instead to Christ. It is also a theologically sound read as well.
December 21, 2018
Life is full of things that promise so much but end up taking more than they give. Just like saltwater looks just like drinking water, but if you drink it you will only end up more thirsty until it kills you. Steve Hoppe takes that metaphor and applies it very helpfully to a whole bunch of things in life that end up taking from us, things like money, sex, control, works, etc.
It was also really helpful how Steve encouraged us to find balance in all these things. What we tend to do is react to something unhelpful by taking an opposing extreme position that is also unhelpful (e.g. my parents were too overbearing and I don't want to be like them, so I'll just be completely hands off with my parenting). But the answer is not to react by going to the opposite extreme but to recognise the good while dispensing with the bad, i.e. just throw the bathwater out, not the baby with it, and Steve helpfully led us to a sensible balance in all the areas he addressed.
I also found it very relatable by the way we were introduced to a number of people along the way that you could truly picture in your mind who were living in unhelpful extremes in the areas which were covered.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone. Whether you're a Christian or not and you just can't find true satisfaction in life, I'd recommend you read this book to find out why you're not finding it and how you can. It is also helpful for all Christians, whether new in the faith or more mature in the faith, as it will help you examine your life and think through ways your life is out of balance and help you return from the extremes of worshipping the things God has made as if they're gods or throwing them away as if they're garbage, but helping us to remember they are all gifts from him, to be used for his glory.
It was also really helpful how Steve encouraged us to find balance in all these things. What we tend to do is react to something unhelpful by taking an opposing extreme position that is also unhelpful (e.g. my parents were too overbearing and I don't want to be like them, so I'll just be completely hands off with my parenting). But the answer is not to react by going to the opposite extreme but to recognise the good while dispensing with the bad, i.e. just throw the bathwater out, not the baby with it, and Steve helpfully led us to a sensible balance in all the areas he addressed.
I also found it very relatable by the way we were introduced to a number of people along the way that you could truly picture in your mind who were living in unhelpful extremes in the areas which were covered.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone. Whether you're a Christian or not and you just can't find true satisfaction in life, I'd recommend you read this book to find out why you're not finding it and how you can. It is also helpful for all Christians, whether new in the faith or more mature in the faith, as it will help you examine your life and think through ways your life is out of balance and help you return from the extremes of worshipping the things God has made as if they're gods or throwing them away as if they're garbage, but helping us to remember they are all gifts from him, to be used for his glory.
June 7, 2018
Hoppe's clear and simple analogy of sipping saltwater was extraordinarily insightful as it exposed the truth of finding temporary satisfaction in worldly, idolised materials and things; but ultimately our sin. The first few chapters introduced the system of sipping saltwater (finding temporary satisfaction, idolising these desires and our innate thirst for more), and how to fix it (finding true satisfaction in God) with the remaining chapters addressing more specific issues in greater detail, allocating 1 chapter for an issue.
The book was insightful and eye-opening - it addressed several human struggles of trying to find fulfilment in materials (such as pornography, food, money, sex) and sinful desires (attention, comfort, relationships, busyness). What was especially interesting and insightful was that Hoppe often addressed everyday things which I would've never realised or acknowledged as potential idols. Some of these were busyness through idolising work and residing in comfort. Really interesting concepts.
The sipping saltwater system is also really interesting and honestly a great analogy in explaining humanity's constant desire for fulfilment. Hoppe also provides solutions for combating our thirst head on (such as seeking God for eternal, lasting satisfaction).
Great read, highly suggested for everyone.
Hope you have a great day. :)
The book was insightful and eye-opening - it addressed several human struggles of trying to find fulfilment in materials (such as pornography, food, money, sex) and sinful desires (attention, comfort, relationships, busyness). What was especially interesting and insightful was that Hoppe often addressed everyday things which I would've never realised or acknowledged as potential idols. Some of these were busyness through idolising work and residing in comfort. Really interesting concepts.
The sipping saltwater system is also really interesting and honestly a great analogy in explaining humanity's constant desire for fulfilment. Hoppe also provides solutions for combating our thirst head on (such as seeking God for eternal, lasting satisfaction).
Great read, highly suggested for everyone.
Hope you have a great day. :)
February 1, 2018
Loved it! Easy to read, interesting and wisely written. Sipping saltwater is how we drink in the things of the world; money, sex, control, comfort, and food for example. Whether we desire those things or think abstaining from them is the answer, we think they will quench our thirst and bring satisfaction, only to be disappointed and harmed. Saltwater will eventually kill you if you drink too much. What we really need is to taste the living, life giving, satisfying water given to us by Christ.
February 8, 2018
This book was a perfect mixture of captivating and convicting. As someone who usually takes weeks to finish a book , I could not put this book down and finished it in 2 days. I loved Steve Hoppe's gospel-centered approach to bringing idolatry and what that looks like in all of our lives in such a simplistic manner to the reader. It helped myself and my husband to truly simplify how idols could play a role in our lives independently and as husband and wife. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
February 21, 2018
Every once in a while there comes a compelling collection of words that not only refresh the heart and mind but encourage the soul. This book fits that description. It will meet the reader in whatever season they're in and journey with them to the True hope. It's insightful, it's practical, it's light and at the same time, weighty. A page turner - I read it in 24 hours. It also makes a for wonderful gift. I wish this book existed ten years ago because salt water hangovers are the worst!
March 15, 2018
Sipping Saltwater was an excellent, insightful read on the many different types of idols that we consciously or even subconsciously worship. Each chapter offers both hope and wisdom by revealing the complex ways in which we turn gifts from God into our own gods. Hoppe’s directness and refreshing honesty encouraged me to examine my own heart and consider the greatest gift in Christ. This is a must read no matter where you may be in your spiritual walk and would make a great gift.
July 31, 2022
Excellent book! I finished it in one sitting. This is well worth the read and is both edifying and convicting. I especially appreciated the author’s transparency about his own life - his relationship with his Dad, his struggles in college, how he became a Christian, his battle with an eating disorder, etc. This will inspire you to keep yourself from idols. I agree with Ed Welch that “hope rises with each chapter.”
February 21, 2018
Such a great book! I enjoyed the perspective of the Gospel from such a simple and different concept. It is a great book to recommend for someone wanting to understand the Christian life yet it gives the already faithful Christian reminders on reviewing priorities and focuses in life. A quick and easy read!
February 22, 2018
Sipping Saltwater is an extremely well written, engaging and thought provoking book. Steve's use of stories to explain his points is masterful. This book both challenges and encourages you to seek true life in Jesus, while being honest about our tendency to look to other things for life.
July 13, 2018
A wonderful book that shows how only Jesus can be the living water that quenches our spiritual thirst. Everything else we tend to view as a god or garbage, when really we should be seeing them as gifts from our loving Creator.
August 4, 2018
Very insightful! Enjoyed this book from front to cover. Author has caused me to consider the idols in my onw heart. Author is also very opened and honest about his own life. Truly recommend this book!
March 2, 2019
Good heart check to evaluate what we are sipping: Living water which satisfies vs saltwater which kills. I would recommend to a new believer, but we all need reminders for what we allow room in our lives and how we handle good gifts.
March 25, 2019
I am terrible with words, let alone trying to write a review to give justice to this book. I gave it 5 stars, not necessarily because it is a great read, but because I resonate with it - a book of hope and a book that points to Glory.
September 3, 2019
Very challenging book, would recommend to any Christian who feels like they are not changing and are frustrated why not - it’s probably because of Sin. A little repetitive in places, but would recommend for groups as it is a book that needs accountability.
May 22, 2020
Hoppe eloquently describes the human condition and God's answer to that condition. The book is well-written and easy to digest, yet at the same time theologically rich and biblically sound. A great book. I highly recommend.
May 22, 2020
A fantastic book. Theologically sound. Incredibly insightful. Hoppe describes the condition of idolatry in a way that nobody has before. I loved Tim Keller's Counterfeit Gods, and I think I might love this one even more.
December 22, 2020
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone! Short, to-the-point, interesting examples, and applicable to everyone. Easy to understand and practical application to life. The most relatable book I've read and it's helpful while not shaming.
May 10, 2022
Absolutely fantastic book that explains so clearly how we can make good things both 'god things' and even into bad things. Helps you take super practical steps to identify where you might be doing this in your life.
July 7, 2022
A book for Christians about contemporary idols of the heart. Struggled a bit with it - as I found it at times simplistic and formulaic. If you want to read something on this topic then Hardiman's "Idols" or Keller's "Counterfeit gods" are much more helpful.
August 12, 2019
Heart transforming, fantastic read. Convicting, yet remarkably grace-filled description of the Gospel. Very well-written and powerful.
May 18, 2020
Best and most vivid description of idolatry out there. A fantastic piece.
July 6, 2020
Really engaging and helpful exploration of idolatry. This will be my new ‘go-to’ on this topic alongside Counterfeit Gods.
October 25, 2020
A good book that helps steer the heart away from the false pleasures of this world and toward the lasting pleasure of Jesus Christ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews