Jim Daly Christian Blog and Commentary

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What John Piper Learned from His Father – Part I

  • Jim Daly Jim Daly is president and chief executive officer of Focus on the Family, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families thrive.
  • Updated Jan 18, 2012

Posted by Jim_Daly Jan 5, 2012

 

 

 

I’m on my way to New York this morning to record a radio program with Dr. Tim Keller, senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and author of the excellent new book, The Meaning of Marriage.

I’ll let you know in the coming days when the discussion will air.

For now, I wanted to share with you a powerful list of poignant lessons. They come from the pen of pastor and author, John Piper. They are among the top things he learned from his father, Dr. Bill Piper, who passed away in 2007:

1. The right road always leads to the right place. Therefore, get on the right road and go as far as you can on it.  “Son, keep your room clean where you are, and in God’s time, the door to the next room will open.

2. There is only one thing to do about anything; that is the right thing. Do right.

3. Happiness is not found by looking for it. You stumble over happiness on the road to duty. The joy is always “in something.” Joy itself is not the “something.” So we seek joy in Christ, not just joy in general.

4. The door of success swings on the hinges of opposition.

5. God in the right place in my life fixes every other relationship of my life. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).

6. It is never right to get the right thing in the wrong way, like good grades, wealth or position. Don’t sacrifice your principles.

Feeling convicted? I’ll share the remaining items from the list tomorrow.

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