The call of God creates sight in us. It's the work of God in our hearts to awaken us before his word.
John PiperMy take on tithing in America is that it's a middle-class way of robbing God. Tithing to the church and spending the rest on your family is not a Christian goal. It's a diversion. The real issue is: How shall we use God's trust fund-namely, all we have-for His glory? In a world with so much misery, what lifestyle should we call our people to live? What example are we setting?
John PiperDon't follow a defeated foe. Follow Christ. It is costly. You will be an exile in this age. But you will be free.
John PiperThere is a warning. The path of God-exalting joy will cost you your life. Jesus said, โWhoever loses his life for my sake and the gospelโs will save it.โ In other words, it is better to lose your life than to waste it. If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full. This is not a book about how to avoid a wounded life, but how to avoid a wasted life. Some of you will die in the service of Christ. That will not be a tragedy. Treasuring life above Christ is a tragedy.
John PiperDarkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don't. You are in good company... You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.
John Piper