Piper implores the reader "in the name of Jesus to wake up, and enlarge your heart, and stretch your mind, and spread your wings." After reading books like this, I always go back and re-read what I have underlined almost as my own little conclusion of the book. Since I am going into this new semester and new year, I have been thinking about a specific word or theme to live by or just serve as a reminder of how I should be living. When I read the words I had underlined, it made me think even deeper about what Piper was saying. He mentions how Johnathan Edwards said that "God's passion for my life was that I have a passion for HIS GLORY and that I have a passion for my JOY IN THAT GLORY, and that these two are one passion." This word passion is so strong and powerful, I cant help but notice how often it is used in Piper's book.
"All things were created through him and for him."
Colossians 1:16
For him! That means for his glory. I think it is incredible that we were chosen to glorify a God who is so powerful, omnipotent, omniscient, personal, and loving. From reflecting on my personal wake-up call from reading this book, I have decided that my word for the year is shine. I want others to know who I am living for and what my passion is. I want to take risks for Christ.
The wasted life is the life without a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.
- John Piper
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." ~ Philippians 2
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