Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper has been one of the most rewarding books that I've read thus far in 2025. In its 189 pages you will find encouragement to live your life for the glory of God.
This makes only the second of Piper's books that I have read, but it was just as life changing for me as was the first book of his that I read...When You Don't Desire God. That one helped me through the reality of acceptance when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.
Don't Waste Your Life helped me through this season of growing older and wanting to make certain that I finish the course well. He takes the reader through a number of instances in life to help us keep our focus on what is truly important. It definitely inspired me to review my priorities in life and realign some of them to Scripture.
There is a study guide that goes along with this book.
I would highly recommend purchasing both the book and the study guide. I read the book about 1/3 of the way through and because it made such an impact on me, I immediately ordered the study guide.
Each lesson in the study guide deals with a chapter in the book. There is a section that gives you reading to do (so I basically read parts of the book more than once because of reading in the book before ordering the study guide), along with Scriptures to read and then there are questions to answer. This also would make an ideal study for a small group because there's a section at the end of each chapter of activities a group can do.
There was conviction as I read through some chapters, but that's okay...conviction is good, right? It drives us to Christ and restores our relationship to its fullest again.
There were times of wonderful reflection as I was reminded of the price that Christ paid for my salvation.
I could never fully do justice by a book review, because it's just one of those books that a person has to read for themselves and be open to what God wants to teach you.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book!
Conviction is not always pleasant but is always good.
ReplyDeleteI think you were really wise to get the study guide. I know if I had just read it without studying with others, I wouldn't have gotten as much out of it.
I agree... conviction isn't always pleasant, but the joy that comes from a restored relationship with our Father is , as you say, always good.
DeleteThis sounds like a great book! I just listened to a John Piper message yesterday. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, my friend.
DeleteWe have a few Piper books but not this one. His writing style is easy to read and I appreciate that. We have so much to learn...
ReplyDeleteYes, Ellen dear, we certainly do have much to learn.
DeleteI haven't read this book, but I have read either a blog post or article or something on this subject, which I imagine was a very condensed or partial treatment. This would be good to read sometime. A man from a former church is undergoing treatments for an aggressive form of cancer, and he wants to not "waste" his cancer, so he's doing a series of podcasts about what God is doing in his life. Very moving.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I found the book to be quite a good resource for reflection of how I am living out my life for Christ, as well as being reminded of time wasters..
DeleteSounds like a really interesting and inspirational book! Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteIt truly was for me, Karen.
DeleteSounds good, thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Bill.
Delete"I have no hesitation in recommending this book!"
ReplyDeleteThat is good to know, thank you.
All the best Jan
You are welcome, Jan.
DeleteSounds like this would make for an excellent gift for my girls. I'm lookin into this right now. I haven't read either book, but I know that if you think they are great, then they are GREAT. Thank you so much for your prayers and for being a huge inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDear Shug thank you for your vote of confidence. You are most welcome for the prayers. Sending hugs to you.
DeleteThank you for the review!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
You are welcome.
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