Thoughts by J Piper

Anything you do that hinders your progress for God is wrong.--John Piper

Been thinking a lot lately about how I'm spending my life.

Maybe it's because I've been reminded lately of how brief our time is here on earth, or maybe it's because the fall is approaching, and that always makes me think about a "new year" (school teachers live by our own calendars).

Either way, I really am challenged by the above quote by John Piper. It really makes me think about my moments . . . not just my days . . . my moments.

For example, if I have an hour to myself (aka nap time) how could I spend that hour in a way that most increases my delight in Jesus? Maybe the answer is a nap. Maybe it's time reading His Word and reflecting through journaling. Maybe it's writing a note to a friend or calling someone on the phone. I don't know. I just know that I want to be more careful with my moments.

Besides my moments, I've also been thinking about my "big picture" parts of life. How are my finances making much of God? How is my marriage spreading the fame of Jesus to those around me? Does my "5-year-plan" resonate with a pursuit of joy in Jesus, or does it look more like what the world might be chasing after? Hmm... lots to think about.

To sum it all up . . .

I DON'T WANT TO WASTE MY LIFE. (Thank you, John Piper. I stole your book title.)

When it's all "said and done," I would really love to be able to say that, by the grace of Jesus and the power of the Spirit alive in me, I was able to live a life of purpose, year to year, day to day, moment to moment.

I have a feeling that's what we all want . . . even if we don't realize Jesus should be at the center of that.

One more proof, if you ask me, that we were created by God and for God's glory.