Desiring God - Part 18
I am wrapping up Desiring God by John Piper. I have finished the main chapters and am reading the epilogue and appendices.
Piper has an epilogue of the 7 reasons why he wrote his book. During the course of covering the 7 reasons, Piper also responds to typical objections to Christian Hedonism. He does a good job of responding to these in a loving and convincing way.
Reason 5 that Piper gives for writing this book is to combat pride and self-pity. Piper gives an amazing description of these 2 elements that I think is worth quoting.
The nature and depth of human pride are illuminated by comparing boasting with self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, “I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.” Self-pity says, “I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much.” Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing.
The reason self-pity does not look like pride, is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire is not really for others to see them as helpless, but as heroes. The need that self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride.
I like how Piper wraps up the epilogue in that Christian Hedonism presses us to glad obedience and service out of love. His seventh and final reason is that Christian Hedonism glorifies God.