title: Empty Promises
author: Pete Wilson
publisher: Thomas Nelson
date: 2012
Pete Wilson’s first book, Plan B, was a good book, but not outstanding. This new book, Empty Promises, is a strong book about our worshipping at the altar of things that are not God. Wilson looks at the idolatry of achievement, approval, power, appearance, success, and even religion, Wilson brings many hidden things to light, things that most of us, if we’re honest, would rather not deal with, because we are comfortable in the way things are.
Wilson writes with a pastor's heart and the desire to see people find freedom in Christ. This is a book that is well worth reading. Recently, a discussion guide for the book has been released.
Most of us want to make a difference, to count for something more, and to feel valued. Our world tells us that these things can be found in externals, like: attractiveness, achievement, approval, power, wealth, and the like. Wilson doesn't let us away with a simple, "my identity is in Christ and those things don’t define me.” He challenges us to realize the capacity we have for self-deception and helps to peel back the layers of hidden idolatry.
“Gathering your self-worth externally is like trying to fill up a lake with a Dixie cup. It’s just never enough. That’s why it’s so addictive.” It is so easy to fall into the trap that what we do determines who we are, but Wilson points to exchanging our achievement addiction, success-based identity for our position-based identity in Christ. Wilson, comes back to the theme that power is the sin of comparison and yielding it somehow makes us think we matter more.
When we try to fill a God-given appetite with something that isn’t God, it’s idolatry. Wilson walks the reader through some of the traps and raises questions that will help identify idols or empty promises you may have fallen for without even realizing it. But he doesn't stop there. He points to biblical truths that help us transition out of those traps. Not simply by turning away from them but by pursueing the only promise that will satisfy – Jesus Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment