"Every human being must live for something. Something must capture our imaginations, our heart's most fundamental allegiance and hope. But, the Bible tells us, without the intervention of the Holy Spirit, that object will never be God Himself." -Timothy Keller
In the front cover of my copy of this book, the friend who gave it to me wrote, "This book was life-changing for me. Right up there with Piper's 'Desiring God,' to use your scale." My friend knows me well, and he understands my heart for the Gospel-rich message of the supremacy of God in all things. Yes, this book is a life-changer, and it pairs very well with John Piper's great message - the Biblical message - that we are most satisfied when God is most glorified in us. Keller utilizes this foundational truth and sets it as a foil against the corrupt heart of sinful man, who constantly chases after false gods to satisfy his lust for power, for satisfaction, for self-worth, and for lasting peace.
But idols lie to us. They seduce us, intoxicate us, and kill us when our guard is down. As Keller writes, "In ancient times, the deities were bloodthirsty and hard to appease. They still are."But don't think that the idols Keller speaks of are merely carved wooden or cast-metal replications of ancient mythological creatures that we bow the knee to when no one is looking. No, Keller proclaims a Piper-like view (read "Biblical view") of God's place as the only and all-consuming King on the throne of our hearts, to whom we are called (read "blessed") to pledge our deepest affections, give our most focused attention, and commit our most passionate adoration. He writes, "If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning in life, and identity, then it is an idol."This book revolutionized my thinking about the broken patterns of behavior that accompany our human condition. As we have all been created to be worshippers of God, I have built my life and ministry upon the truth that the great problem of mankind apart from God has been that they are not fulfilling their purpose, thereby robbing God of the glory due His great name. This is true, but Keller has given me more clarity - from a practical perspective. While it may be true that lost souls are not fulfilling their created purpose, it is compelling to help people understand this problem through the lens of idolatry - namely, that they are dealing with the emotions and consequences of a fruitless chase after meaning in life, identity, and personal validation because they have given their heart over to idols rather than the one true Answer that will satisfy every longing.Read it. Keller will clarify the idol-worship that has sunk its roots into your heart. Then, through prayer and the grace of God, let our affections for our idols be eradicated by the expulsive power of a Greater Love. Read it now.
