One of my greatest fears is that I will come to the end of my life and realize that all that I have done has been in vain, and that I've wasted the time God has given me, wasted it on acquiring things, seeking temporary instant gratification, and experiencing pleasures in this life that are worthless in eternity.
In the book, Don't Waste Your Life, John Piper addresses the wasted life. He sites a couple who retires at the ages of 51 and 59 to spend the rest of their lives boating, playing softball, and collecting shells. Piper tells the reader to imagine what judgement day will be like for that couple, when they stand before the Lord and say, "Look, Lord. See my shells." And he calls it tragic.
Piper spends a great deal of the text sharing his personal story which explains why he is determined not to waste his life, and how, as Christians, we can pursue the purpose and plan of God and experience true fulfillment and joy. He also cautions the reader that a life with passion isn't carefree and suffer free, that there will be trials and tribulations; there will be risk, great risk.
While parts of the book were difficult to plow through, there were some nuggets of wisdom that I found worthy of re-reading, notating for future reference, and meditating on, especially in the wake of the fresh beginning that every new year ushers in.
If you are in need of a reality check, a refreshing of your perspective concerning eternal business, consider adding Don't Waste Your Life to your reading list, but be prepared to be convicted. Piper is clear about the Christian's role in this world which is to be in it not of it. He offers some candid questions that will help you evaluate whether you value the temporal things of this world or the eternal things of "home."
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