“…let me affirm that rejoicing in God (Psalm 118:24) and having joy in His saving mercies (Romans 15:9) are good things to do, but not because Piper calls us to do them as part of “Christian Hedonism”, but because God tells us to do them in His word, for they are legitimate commandments of God; simply lesser in greatness to the command to “love God”.However, John Piper usurps God’s claim that the foremost and chief commandment is to “love God” by replacing it with his own preference of “enjoy God”. Piper calls enjoyment the very “aim of life” which is at great conflict with God’s foremost command to “love God and keep His commandments” and to “love your neighbor as yourself”.

“There is no other commandment greater than these.” Piper has in every sense and every definition created a new “precept of men” in violation of Mark 7:7 and Matthew 15:9.”

The main problem with this guys’ response - it is too long. I think he makes some valid points, though, about the priorit of Love - for God and for others - over enjoying and even glorifying God. As quoted from above, he doesn’t dismiss those as insignificant, but significantly reduces them from “chief end” of humanity level commands.

For someone - me - who longs for deeper enjoyment of God and who prays that my life glorifies God, it is refreshing to be reminded about the centrality of love in relationship to God and those around me. Come to think of it, I long for more love, too. If you’ve got a few minutes, give it a read and then post your thoughts.