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Don't Waste Your Life
“If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full.” —from the Introduction
The American Dream beckons people to spend their lives on trivial diversions, slipping through life caught up with seeking success, comfort, and pleasure above all else. But God designed people for far more than this.
In this best-selling book, John Piper makes a passionate plea to the next generation to avoid the dangers of a wasted life, calling us to take risks and make sacrifices that matter for eternity—with a single, soul-satisfying passion for the glory of God that seeks to make much of him in every sphere of our lives.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2003
2479 people are currently reading
40575 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,580 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,431 reviews
December 5, 2008
It's a great book. It does what it does well, but it doesn't deal with the possible (or even, likely) reaction that people might have to it. That is, to draw their sense of approval and validation from how successful they feel they are at "not wasting" their life. If they aren't what they consider to be successful at this, then they will feel less approved or loved by God (even if they know intellectually that isn't true). So if they aren't "successful," then they will be depressed. If they are "successful," then they will feel that all is well, but only because their identity and significance is attached to their performance. It can easily be a hidden lair of religion: a subtle snare of works-based righteousness. This is how "Don't Waste Your Life" almost ruined mine. I'm only now coming out of this myself.
So, just remind yourself that your identity, significance, approval, validation, and justification come from Christ alone. You are loved and valued unconditionally. You don't have to justify your existence. You just have to live loved.
So, just remind yourself that your identity, significance, approval, validation, and justification come from Christ alone. You are loved and valued unconditionally. You don't have to justify your existence. You just have to live loved.
March 17, 2016
I'll admit I couldn't finish this book. But from the beginning, I was deeply disturbed by its pretentiousness:
"I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. 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 59 and she was 51. 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. See my shells.' That is a tragedy."
Let me tell you what pretentiousness is. I will show you how to cast judgment on someone. Consider a book that takes a blurb from Readers Digest and shines a spotlight on the couple from the story to its audience, asserting that this couple is committing a deep tragedy by collecting shells. *gasp* The gall! How dare they collect shells and appreciate natural beauty!
Okay, I may be nitpicking, but I find it unfair that Piper is condemning these people. What's wrong with collecting shells? Also, how does he know that these people aren't doing some real good in their community, being kind and generous, offering a listening ear to lonely people, nurturing healthy relationships with their neighbors, etc. I'm speculating, of course, they could be assholes who do nothing beneficial to society at all. BUT I don't know them, and neither does Piper.
Let me tell you what wasting your time is. It's reading this book.
"I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. 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 59 and she was 51. 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. See my shells.' That is a tragedy."
Let me tell you what pretentiousness is. I will show you how to cast judgment on someone. Consider a book that takes a blurb from Readers Digest and shines a spotlight on the couple from the story to its audience, asserting that this couple is committing a deep tragedy by collecting shells. *gasp* The gall! How dare they collect shells and appreciate natural beauty!
Okay, I may be nitpicking, but I find it unfair that Piper is condemning these people. What's wrong with collecting shells? Also, how does he know that these people aren't doing some real good in their community, being kind and generous, offering a listening ear to lonely people, nurturing healthy relationships with their neighbors, etc. I'm speculating, of course, they could be assholes who do nothing beneficial to society at all. BUT I don't know them, and neither does Piper.
Let me tell you what wasting your time is. It's reading this book.
February 21, 2011
I can't bring myself to finish this book. I don't want to waste my life on reading it.
While I think the idea of the message is good, the actual message and delivery is not. I found it difficult to understand in places and very repetitive. I'm pretty sure it's geared toward new young Christians, but there are so many other books that do a better job at presenting this message.
I was also feeling a sort of condemnation or legalism that I couldn't quite put my finger on to explain until I read someone else's review.
This is what the other reviewer said, "it doesn't deal with the possible (or even, likely) reaction that people might have to it. That is, to draw their sense of approval and validation from how successful they feel they are at "not wasting" their life. If they aren't what they consider to be successful at this, then they will feel less approved or loved by God (even if they know intellectually that isn't true). So if they aren't "successful," then they will be depressed. If they are "successful," then they will feel that all is well, but only because their identity and significance is attached to their performance. It can easily be a hidden lair of religion: a subtle snare of works-based righteousness."
This book was making me feel as if I'm falling short, when in fact, I'm pretty sure I'm not. That's not freedom or joy.
While I think the idea of the message is good, the actual message and delivery is not. I found it difficult to understand in places and very repetitive. I'm pretty sure it's geared toward new young Christians, but there are so many other books that do a better job at presenting this message.
I was also feeling a sort of condemnation or legalism that I couldn't quite put my finger on to explain until I read someone else's review.
This is what the other reviewer said, "it doesn't deal with the possible (or even, likely) reaction that people might have to it. That is, to draw their sense of approval and validation from how successful they feel they are at "not wasting" their life. If they aren't what they consider to be successful at this, then they will feel less approved or loved by God (even if they know intellectually that isn't true). So if they aren't "successful," then they will be depressed. If they are "successful," then they will feel that all is well, but only because their identity and significance is attached to their performance. It can easily be a hidden lair of religion: a subtle snare of works-based righteousness."
This book was making me feel as if I'm falling short, when in fact, I'm pretty sure I'm not. That's not freedom or joy.
January 10, 2021
I know this is a hot take but pls hear me out!!
Disclaimer: I recognize that I have zero credibility but here I am writing my opinion anyways hahaha.
The points and topics discussed in this book are GOOD and TRUE! In fact, I really would have enjoyed this if it were in the form of a podcast or sermon or lecture etc. But this is a book. I strongly believe that there is a big need for good & talented Christian writers. The art of storytelling (or the art of engaging the reader) should still be a thing in Christian books!!!! There were countless times where Piper chose to “tell” instead of “show” and there were SO MANY opportunities for good storytelling that Piper simply did not take.
The point of reading a book instead of watching the movie/ a different medium is because reading a book should provide a much more intimate and personal experience. Books should take the reader on a journey. However, it is after reading books like these where I truly feel as though there was absolutely no advantage in reading the book over listening to a podcast/reading a bullet point summary/ listening to a sermon with the same material. Again, the content of this book is good and interesting but the way it was communicated just felt like a typed out ~not so engaging~ scripted sermon.
Also, it was really hard reading this right after “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis because it highlighted how brilliant Lewis’ writing is and how much Piper’s argumentation methods contrasts to Lewis’. Instead of inviting us into Piper’s thought process, it felt as if I was just told what to think. I also wish Piper would have acknowledged and tackled counter-arguments. I struggled to understand the structure/ order of this book even though Piper’s style of writing itself is very formal and structured; it was hard to see how the different parts fit together. It was hard to identify a strong/moving/compelling central theme or thread.
Overall, just because a book has good (or even great) and true content, does not mean that the book itself is good. That said, a low rating does not mean that I oppose the points made in this book but rather that I do not think that this is good writing.
It is so important to popularize Christian books that convey Truth in a compelling ways. In ways that challenge the reader and that invite the reader into an intimate experience with God. I have no doubt that this book and many others do indeed provide this experience for people; however, I think that we are setting the bar too low for trendy “must-read” Christian books, I’ll say it!!
Disclaimer: I recognize that I have zero credibility but here I am writing my opinion anyways hahaha.
The points and topics discussed in this book are GOOD and TRUE! In fact, I really would have enjoyed this if it were in the form of a podcast or sermon or lecture etc. But this is a book. I strongly believe that there is a big need for good & talented Christian writers. The art of storytelling (or the art of engaging the reader) should still be a thing in Christian books!!!! There were countless times where Piper chose to “tell” instead of “show” and there were SO MANY opportunities for good storytelling that Piper simply did not take.
The point of reading a book instead of watching the movie/ a different medium is because reading a book should provide a much more intimate and personal experience. Books should take the reader on a journey. However, it is after reading books like these where I truly feel as though there was absolutely no advantage in reading the book over listening to a podcast/reading a bullet point summary/ listening to a sermon with the same material. Again, the content of this book is good and interesting but the way it was communicated just felt like a typed out ~not so engaging~ scripted sermon.
Also, it was really hard reading this right after “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis because it highlighted how brilliant Lewis’ writing is and how much Piper’s argumentation methods contrasts to Lewis’. Instead of inviting us into Piper’s thought process, it felt as if I was just told what to think. I also wish Piper would have acknowledged and tackled counter-arguments. I struggled to understand the structure/ order of this book even though Piper’s style of writing itself is very formal and structured; it was hard to see how the different parts fit together. It was hard to identify a strong/moving/compelling central theme or thread.
Overall, just because a book has good (or even great) and true content, does not mean that the book itself is good. That said, a low rating does not mean that I oppose the points made in this book but rather that I do not think that this is good writing.
It is so important to popularize Christian books that convey Truth in a compelling ways. In ways that challenge the reader and that invite the reader into an intimate experience with God. I have no doubt that this book and many others do indeed provide this experience for people; however, I think that we are setting the bar too low for trendy “must-read” Christian books, I’ll say it!!
October 20, 2008
I so enjoyed reading this while in Kenya. Beth Mixon, Sara's good friend who gave up her bed so I had a place to sleep, had this book on her shelf. Since it had been recommended to me by my son Ben and I have enjoyed Piper's work before I went for it. The chapter on "Risk is Right" was superb and reminded me that to risk it all for the kingdom pays BIG TIME. Not a bad return, given the current market crash. I am quite certain that when I think of risk I am thinking of different things than Ben. I was challanged as to what it means to risk at different stages of life. At my stage to risk means being humbled by "starting over" for example if God calls me back to clinical practice-after 10 years in research- stuff that seems daunting but wonderful too. Maybe to risk means saying "God do whatever it takes" to keep me close to you, knowing from past experience how much that might hurt, maybe for someone who is such a "doer" like me it means the discipline of "listening" to God and others. Maybe for me the biggest risk is to say to God you get to choose about my future, even when you know a part of my heart is planted in Africa and has been for a very long time. Maybe at a different life stage it means having another baby when the world seems in such lousy shape. Risk may be such different things at different life stages. It is a risk to stay home with children for women who struggled to become competent at a career, it is a risk to REALLY BE what GOD CALLS ME TO BE, whatever my age or life ;stage, because he does not call to mediocrity but to excellence. Being HIS head, and heart, and hands, so often does not look important. I remember well my diaper days, when faithful service was a risk of a positive attitude with mundane tasks, when risk was moving to stay married and hoping God would still show up in a forsaken desert. Now risk is looking different. But one thing has not changed, it is not comfortable. Risking always makes me suck in my breath, and ask myself, "Can I trust God with even this?" The advantage of age and grey hair (and yes you get it from your kids) is I can afirm, God always shows up and it is always worth the risk.
March 3, 2011
Amazing! everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy and be challenged by this book. Life changing
some quotes:
"God created me - and you - to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion - namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life." - p31
The opposite of wasting your life is to live by a single, soul-satisfying passion for the supremacy of God in all things." - p43
"the people that make a durable difference in the world are not the people who have mastered many things, but who have been mastered by one great thing. p 44
"Therefore every good thing in life, and every bad thing that God turns for good, is a blood-bought gift. And all boasting - all exultation - should be boasting in the cross." -p54
"Christ crucified, the Giver, satisfies. -p 58
"And thus a cross-centered, cross exalting, cross-saturated life is a God-glorifying life - the only God-glorifying life. All others are wasted. - 59
"If we do not embrace the path of joy-laden, painful love, we will waste our lives. - 63
"if we know how to die well, we will know how to live well. -p64
"The essence of praising Christ is prizing Christ." - 68
"If we only trust Christ to give us gifts and not himself as the all-satisfying gift, then we do not trust him in a way tha thonors him as our treasure. - 70
"This hope that grows and deepens and satisfies through suffering is the hope of verse 2, the 'hope of the glory of God.' We were made to see and savor this glory. And God, in love, will use whatever trials are necessary to intensify our savoring of his glory. -74
"To make others glad in God with an everlasting gladness, our lives must show that hi is more precious than life. - p107
"The better questions to ask about possible behaviors is: How will this help me treasure Christ more? How will it help me show that I do treasure Christ? How will it help me to know Christ or display Christ? - p119
"Let me come to the end - whether soon or late - and be able to say to a family, a church, a city, and the unreached peoples of the earth, 'for your tomorrow, I gave my today. Not just for your tomorrow on earth, but for the countless tomorrows of your ever-increasing gladness in God.'" p 124
" You don't waste your life by where you work, but how and why. - p132
"Love always wants what is best for the needy, and what's best is enjoying God fully and forever p 159
some quotes:
"God created me - and you - to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion - namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life." - p31
The opposite of wasting your life is to live by a single, soul-satisfying passion for the supremacy of God in all things." - p43
"the people that make a durable difference in the world are not the people who have mastered many things, but who have been mastered by one great thing. p 44
"Therefore every good thing in life, and every bad thing that God turns for good, is a blood-bought gift. And all boasting - all exultation - should be boasting in the cross." -p54
"Christ crucified, the Giver, satisfies. -p 58
"And thus a cross-centered, cross exalting, cross-saturated life is a God-glorifying life - the only God-glorifying life. All others are wasted. - 59
"If we do not embrace the path of joy-laden, painful love, we will waste our lives. - 63
"if we know how to die well, we will know how to live well. -p64
"The essence of praising Christ is prizing Christ." - 68
"If we only trust Christ to give us gifts and not himself as the all-satisfying gift, then we do not trust him in a way tha thonors him as our treasure. - 70
"This hope that grows and deepens and satisfies through suffering is the hope of verse 2, the 'hope of the glory of God.' We were made to see and savor this glory. And God, in love, will use whatever trials are necessary to intensify our savoring of his glory. -74
"To make others glad in God with an everlasting gladness, our lives must show that hi is more precious than life. - p107
"The better questions to ask about possible behaviors is: How will this help me treasure Christ more? How will it help me show that I do treasure Christ? How will it help me to know Christ or display Christ? - p119
"Let me come to the end - whether soon or late - and be able to say to a family, a church, a city, and the unreached peoples of the earth, 'for your tomorrow, I gave my today. Not just for your tomorrow on earth, but for the countless tomorrows of your ever-increasing gladness in God.'" p 124
" You don't waste your life by where you work, but how and why. - p132
"Love always wants what is best for the needy, and what's best is enjoying God fully and forever p 159
September 29, 2017
I have no motivation to finish this book. I made it about 56% through and then lost all will. Although I'm super Piper's intentions are good and that the overall message of this book would be purposeful to some, I find John Piper condemning, rude and a bit self-righteous. He only talks about his own experiences to show an example of what it's like to really live for God and I'm not a fan of that. Other people have written good reviews on his condemnation of the couple that like collecting shells and playing softball. What's wrong with that? John Piper, have you seen their heart for God? No, only God has. It says multiple times in the bible not to judge people.
Also, there is no practical advice for someone that is not an active and paid member in a church. What about the rest of us who do normal things and work alongside normal people? John Piper constantly talks about how his life is not a waste because he preaches and writes books amongst other spiritual tasks. Some of us don't have that privilege. Some of us have to seek out God in days where we have hardly any minutes left to eat, sleep, take care of ourselves, see our family. Some of us find simply spending time with God hard.
Anyway, I gave up. There are a lot better Christian books and devotions out there that offer me more than Piper does.
Also, there is no practical advice for someone that is not an active and paid member in a church. What about the rest of us who do normal things and work alongside normal people? John Piper constantly talks about how his life is not a waste because he preaches and writes books amongst other spiritual tasks. Some of us don't have that privilege. Some of us have to seek out God in days where we have hardly any minutes left to eat, sleep, take care of ourselves, see our family. Some of us find simply spending time with God hard.
Anyway, I gave up. There are a lot better Christian books and devotions out there that offer me more than Piper does.
December 10, 2023
“Any good-hearted goal, without the desire to give people eternal joy in God, is condemnation with a kind face.”
This one is a 3.5 for me. While Piper made many very insightful and convicting claims in this book, the combination of mediocre writing and an occasional unrelatable tone made this difficult to fully enjoy. I found the first 1/3 of the book to be especially fragmented and challenging to follow.
Understand that that were many great points in the book. I was very convicted by Piper’s addressing of the modern Western church’s reliance on safety, “avoiding badness” rather than treasuring Christ, and reluctance to give despite our financial prosperity. I especially loved the chapters on Christian witnessing in the secular workplace.
However, given such an incredible premise to break down Christ’s calling for us to embrace the Great Commission, I found the lack of clarity and flow in many areas took away from the readers ability to properly enjoy and reflect on Piper’s commentary on a genuine Christian life today.
This one is a 3.5 for me. While Piper made many very insightful and convicting claims in this book, the combination of mediocre writing and an occasional unrelatable tone made this difficult to fully enjoy. I found the first 1/3 of the book to be especially fragmented and challenging to follow.
Understand that that were many great points in the book. I was very convicted by Piper’s addressing of the modern Western church’s reliance on safety, “avoiding badness” rather than treasuring Christ, and reluctance to give despite our financial prosperity. I especially loved the chapters on Christian witnessing in the secular workplace.
However, given such an incredible premise to break down Christ’s calling for us to embrace the Great Commission, I found the lack of clarity and flow in many areas took away from the readers ability to properly enjoy and reflect on Piper’s commentary on a genuine Christian life today.
April 22, 2020
You know, this is one of those books where you put an inspiring quote at the top of the review, but there are just TOO MANY in this book!
I don't know how many sermons I've heard of my pastor's where he used the snippet on the back of the book as an example. Yeah. I loved this book. It got me out of a rough time and taught me so much. I feel like this is a must-read for every Christian! The wisdom of John Piper is incredible! I loved every moment about it! It will change your life!
Thanks so much to my dad for reading this with me! I hope it's blessed you as much as it blessed me!
I don't know how many sermons I've heard of my pastor's where he used the snippet on the back of the book as an example. Yeah. I loved this book. It got me out of a rough time and taught me so much. I feel like this is a must-read for every Christian! The wisdom of John Piper is incredible! I loved every moment about it! It will change your life!
Thanks so much to my dad for reading this with me! I hope it's blessed you as much as it blessed me!
July 29, 2025
"He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him"
August 7, 2022
"O, kaip jis maldaudavo! Vaikų, paauglių, jaunuolių, sutuoktinių, vidutinio ir senyvo amžiaus žmonių – kiekvieno širdyje išdegindavo Kristaus perspėjimus ir maldavimus. Kiekvienai amžiaus grupei turėjo paruošęs istorijų, daugybę istorijų – apie šlovingus atsivertimus ir apie tai, kad, atsisakę tikėti, kai kurie tragiškai žūdavo. Tos istorijos retai apsieidavo be ašarų. Man, kaip berniukui, įdomiausias iš pavyzdžių, kurių griebdavosi įsiaudrinęs tėvas, buvo istorija apie senyvame amžiuje atsivertusi vyriškį. Bažnyčia meldėsi už jį dešimtmečius. Jis buvo kietas ir nepalaužiamas. Bet tąkart, kai pamokslavo mano tėvas, kažkodėl jis pasirodė. Pamaldų pabaigoje giedant himną, vyriškis visų nuostabai išėjo į priekį ir paėmė mano tėvą už rankos. Žmonėms išsiskirsčius jiedu atsisėdo pirmame bažnyčios suole. Dievas atvėrė to vyriškio širdį Kristaus Evangelijai, jis buvo išgelbėtas nuo savo nuodėmių ir gavo amžinąjį gyvenimą. Bet ašaros vis tiek riedėjo jo raukšlėtais skruostais ir jis nepaliaudamas vis kartojo: „Aš jį iššvaisčiau! Aš jį iššvaisčiau!“ O kokį poveikį tai darė man, kai girdėjau savo tėvą per ašaras pasakojant šią istoriją. Ši istorija apie senyvą vyriškį, raudojusį dėl iššvaistyto gyvenimo, mane jaudino labiau negu visos kitos istorijos apie jaunus žmones, kurie taip ir neatsivertę žūdavo automobilių avarijose. Tais ankstyvaisiais metais Dievas sužadino manyje baimę ir aistrą neiššvaistyti savo gyvenimo. Mintis sulaukti senyvo amžiaus ir per ašaras kartoti: „Aš jį iššvaisčiau! Aš jį iššvaisčiau!“ man kėlė siaubą.“
December 3, 2019
Absolutely incredible. John Piper never ceases to amaze me.
March 20, 2023
Overall content is Christ-centered and wonderful. However the book is very repetitive.
August 20, 2024
If Christ is an all-satisfying treasure and promises to provide all our needs, even through famine and nakedness, then to live as though we had all the same values as the world would betray him.
An excellent start to 2017, and a great companion piece to another work I'm reading currently, The Cost of Discipleship , by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
I first discovered John Piper just over a decade ago, while working at a 3-day concert event with a local radio station. One of the many other stations was giving away copies of a CD called Light + Heat, which included eight of his sermons. Each of the sermons was a variation on the theme of 'not wasting your life'. He discussed the importance of ensuring that we, as those who believe that Christ died for our sins, are representing that belief to the world in a life of selflessness, sacrifice, and example, rather than just fading and blending in with the exact same desires as everyone else. He spoke powerfully, convincingly, and passionately. Listening to those messages stirred something in me that I'm not sure wasn't entirely dormant, and forced me to reexamine my own life in light of what he was suggesting, and what was required of me. If I really believed what I believe to be true then am I really living that in my life? If not, then what do I need to do to change it? What must I lay down of my own interests and desires in order to more exemplify my hope in Christ. This book, as one would expect from the title, is an address to just this problem.
I appreciate Piper's stoic and humble approach in his sermons, the weight of his messages, and his call to action. Each of these is present here, and many of the same stories I originally heard on that CD are used in the many chapters that start with his own mission to find a single passion in which to live by, continues to the justification of that pursuit as laid out by God Himself in the bible, and concludes with a call for self-examination, sacrifice, and the call to missions both here at home and to people that don't know the hope that lives in you. He quotes a great number of historic theologians and apologists, including C. S. Lewis, Jonathon Edwards, and Martin Luther, along with several modern writers commenting on life in America today. It's an amalgamation of the great calling to forego self, and to pursue God.
Some may be concerned that this book may lead to a 'works-based righteousness' approach; that not wasting your life means that you need to be doing more, more, more for God. In reality, the book discusses the dangers of that exact type of approach, just how worthless it is, how our own acts of goodness, when offered to God as some form of gift or offering, have no value. When those deeds are carried out as a glorification of God, however, rather than something to 'offer' Him, it is the exact same mission that Christ calls us to. Our hope is in Christ, His gift to us is not something we can gain or pay back, and therefore our deeds are born of an honoring rather than as an earning. When people look to us and wonder what it is that allows us to forego the aims and conventions of society and live selflessly, that is when the proper questions begin getting asked of us. "Why do you live in such a way? What are you aiming to do? Why don't you care about things other people spend so much time fretting over?" When we live as examples, then are glorifying the one who created us, and in doing so serving as living examples.
To do this we must make sacrificial life choices rooted in the assurance that magnifying Christ through generosity and mercy is more satisfying than selfishness.
What cannot be overlooked in this call to sacrifice one's self and the pleasures we are inherently interested in chasing, is the perfect contentment and joy that comes with the expulsion of our inbred worldly pursuits when exchanged for living in the manner God would have us. We are called to 'sacrifice', and to'suffer', and this takes several forms. By the world's standards (cultural and societal norms) if we are less interested in building our own personal kingdoms of security and pleasure, and more interested in reaching forth to others, at our own expense, it can be perceived as a form of suffering. Perhaps, instead of binge watching Netflix for hundreds of hours every year, we must 'sacrifice' and 'suffer' so that we can teach ourselves valuable skills that are usable for our community, or in building others up educationally, intellectually, and spiritually. Perhaps we decide to learn woodworking, or begin tutoring, or learn a new language, or learn how to prepare food, all so that we can serve those around us, and exemplify that our hope is not in sterile and fleeting entertainments, or in our own financial security. In doing so, we must be careful not to help others build their own personal kingdoms at the expense of our own. Our aim is not to assist in another's distancing from the knowledge and self-satisfaction of God, but to build them up in it so that they, too, will be used and empowered to leave these artificial joys behind and become a force of His hands in a hurting world that needs them so.
To leave that word of suffering there, however, is to also deny the inherent risk of doing God's work will cause. The world does not take kindly to those living outside of its requests on us. Here, in America, you may face the lowest and shallowest forms of persecution: mockery, slander, and ridicule. These forms can take their toll mentally, or emotionally, or even physically, so we must stand strong in our convictions. In countries where talking about your hope in Christ is illegal it can get you imprisoned or even executed. This sacrifice of living for Christ does not come without cost, but to do so is to gain something far, far greater than the niceties of living that will be taken from you upon your death anyway.
If Christ is an all-satisfying treasure and promises to provide all our needs, even through famine and nakedness, then to live as though we had all the same values as the world would betray him.
This 'suffering' of personal status, character, and wealth, goes only so far as the world. We are not to seek fame, or prideful earnings, or wealth, or status, or the pleasures that can bring ruin. These things are advertised into our world relentlessly here in America. We are bombarded with a message that says that we should focus on ourselves and what makes us happy. All the temporary economic kingdoms of this world are lined up to take our money and our time, and our minds, just so that we can have and experience a temporary enjoyment that may not last for months, let alone years. New cars, new clothes, sex, drugs, the latest television show, the newest diet, hundreds of financial security investments, new technology, updates, and promos and sweepstakes and contests and vacations-- a never ending tide of novelty, temporary pleasure, and mediocrity. So much noise promising fun and escape, but not enough to drown out the mass shootings, or opioid epidemic, or the mass political divide, or terrorism, domestic violence and abuses, racism, bigotry, etc. This pleasure we are seeking is its own drug, its own temporary and unnatural escape from a world drowning in its own depravity. It is not our call to seek after such insignificant wealth, or passing pleasure. We are to seek the very source of joy and pleasure and to enjoy it to its fullest, but we cannot seek both at the same time.
...if we look like our lives are devoted to getting and maintaining things, we will look like the world, and that will not make Christ look great.
This review has become far longer than I originally intended, though I do hope that I presented the summary of the message of this book without presenting it in any light that may turn off the interested reader. It is an excellent book, and a fantastic companion piece to The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer's approach is, at least up to this point, a great self-examination of the individual who wishes to find themselves as a disciple of Christ, whereas Piper's approach is to confront the American ideal and contrast that with the life that Christ calls us to. We cannot pursue both, as one cannot serve two masters. Don't Waste Your Life is a strong message, and one that needs to be echoed in a society that prides itself, unconsciously, on its gratuitous wealth, always seeking for more. I'd suggest reading it alongside Bonhoeffer, and spending time with the two books, even in a study group. Each are filled with wisdom, inspiration, and hope.
May the cross of Christ be your only boast, and may you say, with sweet confidence, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
An excellent start to 2017, and a great companion piece to another work I'm reading currently, The Cost of Discipleship , by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
I first discovered John Piper just over a decade ago, while working at a 3-day concert event with a local radio station. One of the many other stations was giving away copies of a CD called Light + Heat, which included eight of his sermons. Each of the sermons was a variation on the theme of 'not wasting your life'. He discussed the importance of ensuring that we, as those who believe that Christ died for our sins, are representing that belief to the world in a life of selflessness, sacrifice, and example, rather than just fading and blending in with the exact same desires as everyone else. He spoke powerfully, convincingly, and passionately. Listening to those messages stirred something in me that I'm not sure wasn't entirely dormant, and forced me to reexamine my own life in light of what he was suggesting, and what was required of me. If I really believed what I believe to be true then am I really living that in my life? If not, then what do I need to do to change it? What must I lay down of my own interests and desires in order to more exemplify my hope in Christ. This book, as one would expect from the title, is an address to just this problem.
I appreciate Piper's stoic and humble approach in his sermons, the weight of his messages, and his call to action. Each of these is present here, and many of the same stories I originally heard on that CD are used in the many chapters that start with his own mission to find a single passion in which to live by, continues to the justification of that pursuit as laid out by God Himself in the bible, and concludes with a call for self-examination, sacrifice, and the call to missions both here at home and to people that don't know the hope that lives in you. He quotes a great number of historic theologians and apologists, including C. S. Lewis, Jonathon Edwards, and Martin Luther, along with several modern writers commenting on life in America today. It's an amalgamation of the great calling to forego self, and to pursue God.
Some may be concerned that this book may lead to a 'works-based righteousness' approach; that not wasting your life means that you need to be doing more, more, more for God. In reality, the book discusses the dangers of that exact type of approach, just how worthless it is, how our own acts of goodness, when offered to God as some form of gift or offering, have no value. When those deeds are carried out as a glorification of God, however, rather than something to 'offer' Him, it is the exact same mission that Christ calls us to. Our hope is in Christ, His gift to us is not something we can gain or pay back, and therefore our deeds are born of an honoring rather than as an earning. When people look to us and wonder what it is that allows us to forego the aims and conventions of society and live selflessly, that is when the proper questions begin getting asked of us. "Why do you live in such a way? What are you aiming to do? Why don't you care about things other people spend so much time fretting over?" When we live as examples, then are glorifying the one who created us, and in doing so serving as living examples.
To do this we must make sacrificial life choices rooted in the assurance that magnifying Christ through generosity and mercy is more satisfying than selfishness.
What cannot be overlooked in this call to sacrifice one's self and the pleasures we are inherently interested in chasing, is the perfect contentment and joy that comes with the expulsion of our inbred worldly pursuits when exchanged for living in the manner God would have us. We are called to 'sacrifice', and to'suffer', and this takes several forms. By the world's standards (cultural and societal norms) if we are less interested in building our own personal kingdoms of security and pleasure, and more interested in reaching forth to others, at our own expense, it can be perceived as a form of suffering. Perhaps, instead of binge watching Netflix for hundreds of hours every year, we must 'sacrifice' and 'suffer' so that we can teach ourselves valuable skills that are usable for our community, or in building others up educationally, intellectually, and spiritually. Perhaps we decide to learn woodworking, or begin tutoring, or learn a new language, or learn how to prepare food, all so that we can serve those around us, and exemplify that our hope is not in sterile and fleeting entertainments, or in our own financial security. In doing so, we must be careful not to help others build their own personal kingdoms at the expense of our own. Our aim is not to assist in another's distancing from the knowledge and self-satisfaction of God, but to build them up in it so that they, too, will be used and empowered to leave these artificial joys behind and become a force of His hands in a hurting world that needs them so.
To leave that word of suffering there, however, is to also deny the inherent risk of doing God's work will cause. The world does not take kindly to those living outside of its requests on us. Here, in America, you may face the lowest and shallowest forms of persecution: mockery, slander, and ridicule. These forms can take their toll mentally, or emotionally, or even physically, so we must stand strong in our convictions. In countries where talking about your hope in Christ is illegal it can get you imprisoned or even executed. This sacrifice of living for Christ does not come without cost, but to do so is to gain something far, far greater than the niceties of living that will be taken from you upon your death anyway.
If Christ is an all-satisfying treasure and promises to provide all our needs, even through famine and nakedness, then to live as though we had all the same values as the world would betray him.
This 'suffering' of personal status, character, and wealth, goes only so far as the world. We are not to seek fame, or prideful earnings, or wealth, or status, or the pleasures that can bring ruin. These things are advertised into our world relentlessly here in America. We are bombarded with a message that says that we should focus on ourselves and what makes us happy. All the temporary economic kingdoms of this world are lined up to take our money and our time, and our minds, just so that we can have and experience a temporary enjoyment that may not last for months, let alone years. New cars, new clothes, sex, drugs, the latest television show, the newest diet, hundreds of financial security investments, new technology, updates, and promos and sweepstakes and contests and vacations-- a never ending tide of novelty, temporary pleasure, and mediocrity. So much noise promising fun and escape, but not enough to drown out the mass shootings, or opioid epidemic, or the mass political divide, or terrorism, domestic violence and abuses, racism, bigotry, etc. This pleasure we are seeking is its own drug, its own temporary and unnatural escape from a world drowning in its own depravity. It is not our call to seek after such insignificant wealth, or passing pleasure. We are to seek the very source of joy and pleasure and to enjoy it to its fullest, but we cannot seek both at the same time.
...if we look like our lives are devoted to getting and maintaining things, we will look like the world, and that will not make Christ look great.
This review has become far longer than I originally intended, though I do hope that I presented the summary of the message of this book without presenting it in any light that may turn off the interested reader. It is an excellent book, and a fantastic companion piece to The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer's approach is, at least up to this point, a great self-examination of the individual who wishes to find themselves as a disciple of Christ, whereas Piper's approach is to confront the American ideal and contrast that with the life that Christ calls us to. We cannot pursue both, as one cannot serve two masters. Don't Waste Your Life is a strong message, and one that needs to be echoed in a society that prides itself, unconsciously, on its gratuitous wealth, always seeking for more. I'd suggest reading it alongside Bonhoeffer, and spending time with the two books, even in a study group. Each are filled with wisdom, inspiration, and hope.
May the cross of Christ be your only boast, and may you say, with sweet confidence, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
February 28, 2025
One of the single most convicting books I've ever read. Highly recommend reading this book, and if nothing else, the first and last chapters.
December 1, 2023
Piper responds to this idea/sentiment of "wasting your life" as a Christian, tackling all facets and ideas relating to the Christian walk. He uses anecdotes well to tie his ideas to the faith and unpack their significance.
I think this book falls into the genre of "I need to read this every couple of years because I don't think it all sank in" Christian books. There are certain sections where I thought "yeah" and others where I thought "I didn't get any of that".
It is a book for all life stages, and something I see myself reading once every two years.
I think this book falls into the genre of "I need to read this every couple of years because I don't think it all sank in" Christian books. There are certain sections where I thought "yeah" and others where I thought "I didn't get any of that".
It is a book for all life stages, and something I see myself reading once every two years.
August 26, 2023
The good:
Piper does a great job of illustrating how love is to labor for others to be glad in God by providing clear definitions and Scripture. I believe this to be true— that to know God deeply is our greatest good. He rightly describes how everything we receive is an unmerited gift from God, which he connects to “boasting in the cross”. He also provides helpful warnings for loving money and possessions over God, which inspire me to be exceedingly generous from a place of joy.
The Bad:
Even though he includes 1 Tim 6:17-19 telling us that we can enjoy gifts from God, I think the overall tone of the book does not give that impression. The book imposes a good vision but narrow ways of achieving it with black and white conclusions. For example, television is a big time waster, with no grey area. No doubt tv can be wasteful, but what are his expectations of leisure and play? I followed some of the teachings in this book before and I ended up feeling burnt out because I had what some saints have called “holy seriousness” which actually sucks the joy out of life and the Good gifts God provides for us. It also made me very susceptible to casting judgement on others. I classified a lot of things as a “waste of time”, but that actually hindered my ability to connect with other people relationally. I don’t blame Piper, but certainly these teachings MAY lead to zeal with burnout. Nevertheless, I believe his intent is holy with a genuine desire to see people on fire for our Lord. But, from my own personal failures and convictions, I think a section talking about play and rest are necessary.
I think Desiring God and Providence were better works of his.
Piper does a great job of illustrating how love is to labor for others to be glad in God by providing clear definitions and Scripture. I believe this to be true— that to know God deeply is our greatest good. He rightly describes how everything we receive is an unmerited gift from God, which he connects to “boasting in the cross”. He also provides helpful warnings for loving money and possessions over God, which inspire me to be exceedingly generous from a place of joy.
The Bad:
Even though he includes 1 Tim 6:17-19 telling us that we can enjoy gifts from God, I think the overall tone of the book does not give that impression. The book imposes a good vision but narrow ways of achieving it with black and white conclusions. For example, television is a big time waster, with no grey area. No doubt tv can be wasteful, but what are his expectations of leisure and play? I followed some of the teachings in this book before and I ended up feeling burnt out because I had what some saints have called “holy seriousness” which actually sucks the joy out of life and the Good gifts God provides for us. It also made me very susceptible to casting judgement on others. I classified a lot of things as a “waste of time”, but that actually hindered my ability to connect with other people relationally. I don’t blame Piper, but certainly these teachings MAY lead to zeal with burnout. Nevertheless, I believe his intent is holy with a genuine desire to see people on fire for our Lord. But, from my own personal failures and convictions, I think a section talking about play and rest are necessary.
I think Desiring God and Providence were better works of his.
January 3, 2025
“God created me—and you—to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion—namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life.”
After loving the first chapters of this book, a lot happened, and it ended up on the shelf for a few months. Now, I finally got around to finishing it, and I can only recommend it to everyone, especially those struggling with the subject of purpose in life.
I appreciate that Piper is a bit extreme in his view of the world as a battlefield. It feels like so many of us get caught up in theology, local church ministries, and personal lives that we forget why we are actually here. I love that this book is radical and that it challenges you, making you feel uncomfortable.
There would be plenty of amazing quotes and ideas worth highlighting, but I'll leave you with just one quote and a strong recommendation to read it, especially if you feel like you've grown too comfortable or too focused on building your own earthly kingdom.
“Don’t waste your life. Whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, soul-satisfying treasure of Christ. And cleave to it with all your might. And make it known. And don’t waste your life.”
After loving the first chapters of this book, a lot happened, and it ended up on the shelf for a few months. Now, I finally got around to finishing it, and I can only recommend it to everyone, especially those struggling with the subject of purpose in life.
I appreciate that Piper is a bit extreme in his view of the world as a battlefield. It feels like so many of us get caught up in theology, local church ministries, and personal lives that we forget why we are actually here. I love that this book is radical and that it challenges you, making you feel uncomfortable.
There would be plenty of amazing quotes and ideas worth highlighting, but I'll leave you with just one quote and a strong recommendation to read it, especially if you feel like you've grown too comfortable or too focused on building your own earthly kingdom.
“Don’t waste your life. Whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, soul-satisfying treasure of Christ. And cleave to it with all your might. And make it known. And don’t waste your life.”
June 8, 2021
The most I remember from this book is John Piper retirement-shaming people because apparently picking up seashells on a beach is not an acceptable activity and also he took an article he read too literally and thought that was actually all that this couple was going to do the rest of their life.
Also, Evangelical authors need to lay off on the "if you're not a pastor, you're wasting your life" messaging. It's kind of like Evangelicals who don't approve of people working secular jobs on Sunday. It's like, you do realize, some people have to work on Sunday/not be a pastor for society to run. (As an aside, if you wouldn't let your children work on Sundays, don't frequent any businesses on Sundays.)
Basically, this is just another book where an Evangelical tells us how he thinks we should live our life, but he says it's actually how G-d wants us to live our life, and if we don't follow and get in line, G-d will be very angry with us and we will be depressed.
Also, Evangelical authors need to lay off on the "if you're not a pastor, you're wasting your life" messaging. It's kind of like Evangelicals who don't approve of people working secular jobs on Sunday. It's like, you do realize, some people have to work on Sunday/not be a pastor for society to run. (As an aside, if you wouldn't let your children work on Sundays, don't frequent any businesses on Sundays.)
Basically, this is just another book where an Evangelical tells us how he thinks we should live our life, but he says it's actually how G-d wants us to live our life, and if we don't follow and get in line, G-d will be very angry with us and we will be depressed.
June 16, 2021
It’s so refreshing to be confronted by Piper’s lack of sympathy for Christians preoccupied with comfort and security. I say that as someone who needs to hear this message regularly. Yet his focus is always on Christ, providing guardrails keeping me from pursuing righteousness through asceticism.
His primary admonition is not to exercise stronger self-denial and discipline, but to have open eyes to a far greater glory worth living and dying for. I’m thankful for someone who has this vision for the church and wants to share the joys of Christian Hedonism.
His primary admonition is not to exercise stronger self-denial and discipline, but to have open eyes to a far greater glory worth living and dying for. I’m thankful for someone who has this vision for the church and wants to share the joys of Christian Hedonism.
June 2, 2020
It was ok. There's really nothing new in it, and I'm not sure what to blame it on, but I've gotten all of this from other books or resources (Desiring God, John Piper's website, for one). It might be a more engaging read for some but I found it rather dry. Not to say that its message is dry, but the presentation is lackluster to me. I've never particularly enjoyed Piper's writing anyway. I think he could state his point more simply in a lot of cases.
October 5, 2022
READ. THIS. BOOK. okay??!! everyone needs to read it. absolutely amazing. i read it while i was out in arizona for a weekend, and getting to lay my eyes upon the wonders of the world truly reinforced the glory and delighting in God that this book spoke thoroughly about. i was most definitely kind of worried bc it started off kinda boring i can’t even lie. BUT THEN, it. took. off. “enjoying God supremely is one way to glorify him. enjoying God makes him look supremely valuable” THAT IS GOLD OKAY!? i read that & my eyes were immediately opened. i think overall this book was amazing to me because i am very practical, and therefore need things concerning God practically explained to me. this book did just that & i am so appreciative. i will take (& have taken) my relationship with God, now, even further because the insights given in this book. to delight in God is to glorify Him, and to glorify Him is fulfulling our ultimate purpose laid out in His Word. Paul was spittin fr so i def am gonna re-read his letters now with new understanding. but other than that, the book really showed me more of what it means to live for Christ. & living a risky (but wise) life for the cause of Christ is great and necessary! time to get risky in faith then! i also got more book recs from this book, so an extra win. my passion is Christ, periodt. amen fr yall.
that whole end section dedicated to talking about missions really had me on fire for missions work i can’t even lie. such a deeper meaning was explained to me that it’s not only for the glory of God, but for the betterment of the church. literally so good & eye opening.
“we should not assume that teachers and carpenters and computer programmers and managers and CPAs and doctors and pilots should do their work in America.” - this line (along with so many others) absolutely spoke to me! God is so good.
that whole end section dedicated to talking about missions really had me on fire for missions work i can’t even lie. such a deeper meaning was explained to me that it’s not only for the glory of God, but for the betterment of the church. literally so good & eye opening.
“we should not assume that teachers and carpenters and computer programmers and managers and CPAs and doctors and pilots should do their work in America.” - this line (along with so many others) absolutely spoke to me! God is so good.
January 3, 2023
”You sent your Son, the blazing center of your beauty and your love…For what? To swallow up your wrath, and satisfy your righteousness, and bury all my sins as far as east is from the west and in the deepest sea, so that I might come home and see the galaxy. This is your love, oh, God, not to make much of me, but do whatever must be done so that I waken to the joy of making much of you through all eternity.”
Convicting, Scripture-saturated, engaging, and deeply thought-provoking.
By God’s grace alone, may I remember what true love is and live with ever-present gladness to make others glad in Him. By his strength alone that he lavishes upon us, may I not waste my life.
Through His love, I have come home to behold the galaxy. There is One alone worthy of our deepest allegiance, and He is glorious.
Convicting, Scripture-saturated, engaging, and deeply thought-provoking.
By God’s grace alone, may I remember what true love is and live with ever-present gladness to make others glad in Him. By his strength alone that he lavishes upon us, may I not waste my life.
Through His love, I have come home to behold the galaxy. There is One alone worthy of our deepest allegiance, and He is glorious.
May 23, 2023
A good book! It was a great reminder of the Great Commission and how to live our lives with purpose and on purpose. I think it would be great for new believers, lukewarm Christians, and just those who need a reminder of their purpose. Just as the title says, it’s very encouraging to not want to waste your life!
May 22, 2023
This is not a book about missions, it is a book about the glory of the Lord in all people. Piper does a phenomenal job of challenging the reader to examine their actions and ask if they are laboring for His glory in all people . He focuses on the final prize of our inheritance being in heaven which should impact what we value today, and extend our desire for all people to know this prize. “Long for your life to have eternal significance”. Tremendous read, it is sure to make many feel uneasy about what they are currently treasuring.
May 26, 2025
I loved the first good bit of it, but the last two chapters kind of lost my interest.
August 22, 2021
Loved this book. What a challenge it is to die to a worldly life and live a life focused on Christ. Chapter 7 was particularly impactful to me. Piper talks about materialism and possessions and their pointlessness in the bigger picture of life. After reading this book I know there are definite changes I need to make in my life! Let us not waste our lives, but be able to say that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
January 27, 2011
Go to the best school you can. Get the job that makes the most money possible. Retire early. Spend the rest of your life "Doing what you want to do"-----collecting antiques, going on cruises, woodworking.
None of these things are bad in and of themselves. But is that all life is intended to be? Is that the way God designed living our life here on earth to look like?
John Piper, in the book Don't Waste Your Life, takes issue with the prevailing thoughts that life is primarily for our enjoyment. Instead, Piper pleads with his readers to "Make much of God"; that the joy that doing so creates, as well as the grace that we don't deserve, should lead the believer to be willing to risk all for Christ.
I was personally very taken by the story related in this book about Adinoram Judson, who, with his young bride, left the United States to serve God in Burma, only returning one time. That sort of risk of life and wealth and the Western definition of (pseudo)-"happiness" and satisfaction seems to carry with it the kind of lasting contentedness that acknowledges that we are but sojourners in this life on earth-that our home is not here but eternally with God our father.
In reading this book, I have been reminded of a verse that has come to have a great deal of meaning to me personally. Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 4:17-18:
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
But until that day when the eternal weight of glory is realized and attained, we are to live in this world. But will our time here be wasted in vain pursuits? In gaining all the "glory" we can gain here on this earth? All the money, the cars, the vacations? Piper urges his readers to evaluate their lives, to give thought to what really matters. To realize that we may be called to give everything--including our lives--in order to make much of God. And that to make much of God is the reason why we were created.
None of these things are bad in and of themselves. But is that all life is intended to be? Is that the way God designed living our life here on earth to look like?
John Piper, in the book Don't Waste Your Life, takes issue with the prevailing thoughts that life is primarily for our enjoyment. Instead, Piper pleads with his readers to "Make much of God"; that the joy that doing so creates, as well as the grace that we don't deserve, should lead the believer to be willing to risk all for Christ.
I was personally very taken by the story related in this book about Adinoram Judson, who, with his young bride, left the United States to serve God in Burma, only returning one time. That sort of risk of life and wealth and the Western definition of (pseudo)-"happiness" and satisfaction seems to carry with it the kind of lasting contentedness that acknowledges that we are but sojourners in this life on earth-that our home is not here but eternally with God our father.
In reading this book, I have been reminded of a verse that has come to have a great deal of meaning to me personally. Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 4:17-18:
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
But until that day when the eternal weight of glory is realized and attained, we are to live in this world. But will our time here be wasted in vain pursuits? In gaining all the "glory" we can gain here on this earth? All the money, the cars, the vacations? Piper urges his readers to evaluate their lives, to give thought to what really matters. To realize that we may be called to give everything--including our lives--in order to make much of God. And that to make much of God is the reason why we were created.
January 24, 2023
At a high level, I agree with much of what Piper asserts in this book, and I think we could all use a dose of his sense of urgency.
However, I find many things in this book problematic - it would be a waste of time to unpack everything - but one example is the suggestions that if one suffers from poverty, they are likely not an upright person and/or simply not working hard enough; and further, if that person is a Christian, they are shameful to the church.
As far as practical advice on not wasting your life, his view boils down to going on foreign missions. He may make allowance for other things, but there is a very clear hierarchy to his preferences on spending your time wisely (Jesus will rebuke you for watching tv with your family). The only other activity that seems ordained in Piper's eyes is fighting in a war, as this book is filled with war stories that while interesting, have little relevance.
However, I find many things in this book problematic - it would be a waste of time to unpack everything - but one example is the suggestions that if one suffers from poverty, they are likely not an upright person and/or simply not working hard enough; and further, if that person is a Christian, they are shameful to the church.
As far as practical advice on not wasting your life, his view boils down to going on foreign missions. He may make allowance for other things, but there is a very clear hierarchy to his preferences on spending your time wisely (Jesus will rebuke you for watching tv with your family). The only other activity that seems ordained in Piper's eyes is fighting in a war, as this book is filled with war stories that while interesting, have little relevance.
June 20, 2016
I tried to like this book, I really did. But Piper's writing style is just terrible. He wanders all over the place throughout the book, and for some reason decided that every few paragraphs should be broken up into separately titled, yet seemingly unrelated sections. It makes the reading frustratingly choppy in what appears to be a failed attempt at making the book readable for poor readers.
There is some good material and occasional good thoughts spread throughout, but as a whole it is repetitive and dull. Piper seems to fall into a legalistic view of Christianity, the very thing he spends so much time condemning.
There is some good material and occasional good thoughts spread throughout, but as a whole it is repetitive and dull. Piper seems to fall into a legalistic view of Christianity, the very thing he spends so much time condemning.
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