I’m reading a book by John Piper called “Don’t Waste Your Life”. At about the half way point, I would give it a double thumbs up. But it’s not for the meek. Piper is known to lay it out there, even if it’s not fun to hear. Chapter 7 is titled, “Living to Prove He Is More Precious Than Life“. That’s a very interesting concept, and also a very thought provoking chapter. One section of this chapter is subtitled, “The Wrong Questions and the Right Ones”. It’s short. Here it is.

People who are content with the avoidance ethic generally ask the wrong question about behavior. They ask, What’s wrong with it? What’s wrong with this movie? Or this music? Or this game? Or these companions? Or this way of relaxing? Or this investment? Or this restaurant? Or shopping at this store? What’s wrong with going to the cabin every weekend? Or having a cabin? This kind of question will rarely yield a lifestyle that commends Christ as all-satisfying and makes people glad in God. It simply results in a list of don’ts. It feeds the avoidance ethic.

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 know Christ or display Christ? The Bible says, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). So the question is mainly positive, not negative. How can I portray God as glorious in this action? How can I enjoy making much of Him in this behavior?

I think Piper is right. If we could condition ourselves to view our life’s choices through this type of filter, just think what kind of changes that would make in our lives. It may not be comfortable to us. But that’s ok. Jesus never promised us comfort.