In light of the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first edition of his book, Desiring God, John Piper reads from the journal entry he wrote when he received the first copy.
Feel free to ignore the emotionally charged music in the background, but pay close attention to Piper’s God-given love for the church and hatred of sin. He does not want to be arrogant; God opposes the proud. He wants to be used for the edification of the saints; he, in his love for the glory of God, loves people. He recognizes the sovereignty of God; he humbly submits.
The primary measure isn’t how large the ministry gets, or how many copies of the book are sold. We daydream about our impact and our changing of the world for the cause of Christ, but those aren’t the focus. The focus is on the savior, and what he’s done. To humbly learn of him through his Word, believe him after thinking deeply about his truths, love him and his glory, and obey him whilst forsaking our sinful idolatry—this is our response and the pattern of the lives we live.
I want to be like Piper. I want the meditations of my mind to be in accordance with the Word and pleasing to my king. Whatever work is done with my life, I do not want to feel entitled to the glory. I desperately require the grace of God to ground me in the Word and guard against my arrogance. Always, soli Deo gloria.
NOTE: If you haven’t heard of or haven’t read Desiring God, I highly recommend it.
