Counterfeit Gods

I just finished. I've been reading this Tim Keller book for probably 5 months. It has taken me a while to read it and, I can't exactly figure out why. I've enjoyed the entire book. It's been challenging (in that good way), thought provoking, and I enjoy the way Keller writes.

When I first started reading the book, it immediately pointed out that I've made good things god things. Like having a house that I want to be nice turned into consuming thoughts about expensive kitchen renovations. I mean I would strategize how long we needed to save to be able to afford it, almost daily. I realized that I had made an ok goal into a thing I needed to be happy. This book confronts you with the truth, the gospel. Jesus is everything. The gospel changes are hearts. It doesn't happen once when we are "saved", but every time the gospel interacts with our sin and desires. It changed my heart. I am ok if I never get my dream kitchen. It's good to remember that I have a great gift in my husband, family, friends, and even possessions, but I have all in Christ.

There were some sections of the book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The chapter on politics and the section on race. Keller talks about how we've tried to make our politics our savior. Then he talks about how we believe our own culture is better than others and how the gospel is the great equalizer. Keller speaks with very strong language on this issue. I recently saw The Help and plan to read it soon, and it is one of the best, most moving stories I've ever seen. It reopened my eyes to some cultural issues that aren't as tidy as we all like to believe. It also made me examine segregation(I'm not only referring to racial segregation) in the church.  I won't say much, but go see the movie and or read The Help. Read this book and let the gospel transform your heart and your cultural beliefs. 

At the end of the book, Keller gives us tests to determine our idols.  He asks what does your mind wander off about? Where do you spend your money? What is your real functional salvation - meaning when you pray and work hard for something and you don't get it and your response is despair - "you've found your real god".  And finally, look at your "uncontrollable emotions": anger, fear, despair, and guilt. You can examine these by asking, "Is there something here too important to me, something I must have at all costs? Am I so scared, because something in my life is being threatened that I think is a necessity when it is not?"

So even though it took a while it was a great read. I recommend Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller.