Among several other titles, I am currently reading Paul Tripp’s new book What Did You Expect? The subtitle is helpful to understanding what God is doing in our lives to conform us to the image of His beloved Son through both our own sins and inadequacies, as well as those of our mates — Redeeming the Realities of Marriage.
It is an excellent book, full of memorable statements and helpful illustrations and pointed application of Biblical truths. One statement I read earlier this week transcends the marriage scenario:
We always live in the service of one of two kingdoms. We live in service of the small, personal happiness agenda of the kingdom of self, or we live in service of the huge, origin-to-destiny agenda of the kingdom of God. When we live for the kingdom of self, our decisions, thoughts, plans, actions, and words are directed by personal desire. We know what we want, where we want it, why we want it, how we want it, when we want it, and who we would prefer to deliver it. Our relationships are shaped by an infrastructure of subtle expectations and silent demands. We know what we want from people and how to get it from them. We seek to surround ourselves with people who will serve our kingdom purposes, and we evaluate them not from the perspective of the laws of God’s kingdom but from the perspective of the laws of our kingdom.
Living for the kingdom of self is dangerous not only for marriage relationships, but also for every relationship. And living in that kingdom will always preclude maturity in Christ.
Aside: Paul Tripp also recently did a two-hour Q&A with Desiring God. You may now watch the video here:
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Words of Grace 