The Dangerous Duty of Delight: Daring to Make God Your Greatest Desire

When I was 10 years old, my beloved stepfather died. I knew he was dying for several months. I also knew that he had been saved. I couldn't understand why everyone was crying. He had gone home to Jesus and wasn't sick anymore. Shouldn't we be rejoicing? My mother explained that the years were because we would miss him. I was not completely convinced that was an acceptable answer. I climbed the highest hill and sat on the highest rock and pondered. Then I asked God why my fathers left me. Couldn't I have one for keeps? I heard the voice of God. "You do have a Father who will never leave you. Aren't you my little girl?" That was the beginning of my life of joy in the Lord.I am astonished about how few sermons I have heard in my 76 years on joy. A few of the ones were because I asked the pastor why not?This book is the best I have read on the subject of the Joy of Jesus. Even though I am mobility limited I wake in the morning singing and 💃 in my heart because my Father is waiting to talk to me.

This is a shortened version of Desiring God. Both books make the same argument but while /Desiring God/ in 384 pages /Dangerous Duty/ is around 80 pages with a smaller text block.Both books make the argument that taking delight in God is a command and is a sign of true conversion. In /Dangerous Duty of Delight/ Piper fleshes this out with five chapters on theology and four on practical implications. I can’t do a side by side comparison on /Desiring God/ because I no longer have a copy but /Dangerous Duty/ is less theologically exhaustive.Read if you want to get into Piper’s writings. Read if altruistic Christianity seems or right or wrong to you and you are not sure why. Read if you heard the phrase Christian Hedonism and are not sure exactly what it means./Desiring God/ was the first non-bible Christian book I read (2020-10-07). I had problems because I associated all religions with altruism (a flawed theory left over from objectivist readings) and I was worried I was enjoying the things of God too much and that it was sign mental instability or temporary obsession. Piper’s chief argument in /Desiring God/ and /Dangerous Duty/ killed both notions.

This is a small book, barely over 80 pages, but it is packed with truth. It is essentially a condensed version of Piper's famous work Desiring God, Revised Edition: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. I always recommend that folks read this when they start off with Piper because they will get the gist of what he saying in a very short time. This short read should take you no more than 90 minutes, but it is capable of being used by the Holy Spirit to affect change in many lives. For anyone interested in a very well put together theological work accesible to all, this is the best place to start.Some of my favorite thoughts from the book:"Jesus is not safe, but he is satisfying!""The chief end of man is to glorify God BY enjoying Him forever.""We are far too easily pleased" (Lewis).The three part prescription for lack of joy in obedience: "First, confess the sin of joylessness. . . . Second, pray earnestly that God would restore the joy of obedience. . . . . Third, go ahead and do the outward dimension of your duty in the hope that the doing will rekindle the delight."This small book packs a big punch, and I highly recommend to all (especially those new to Piper). This is one of five books that I pick up anytime I find a good copy for a decent price because it is one that should be shared again and again.My recommendation for the top 5 Piper books you should read first, in order:The Dangerous Duty of Delight: Daring to Make God Your Greatest Desire (LifeChange Books)Don't Waste Your Life (Group Study Edition)Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions (Spire Books)Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of ChristDesiring God, Revised Edition: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist

This was a great read and has many practical insights that can help change the way you view God and your own spiritual journey. Somethings mentioned would need to be more detailed which is why this book as the smaller volume to his larger "Desiring God" work. This smaller volume is a great introduction to Piper.

Read it 15 years ago. Reading again today. Great book to give to a friend.Solid theology condensed into a digestible book.

We were born to encounter and enjoy the amazing love of God! This small book summarizes our whole reason for existence! It is a book to read and reread until it is digested in the heart! The chief end of man is to KNOW God and ENJOY HIM forever! John Piper shares a grand challenge and adventure that will change your life when you grasp the desire of God Himself towards those He loves! Delighting in Him is our duty and it is our delight!

This is a thought provoking book that begs you yo action. It is a must read for every believer. I have been challenged an encouraged

For a long time I seemed out of sync with other believers because my passion was zealous and I was filled with such delight and joy as I learned more and more. John Piper thrills my heart by declaring the aspects of delighting in the glory of God! Backed by many scripture references, he drives home the point of living for joy in Christ. Thanks John Piper!