Taste and See

Here's why much of our generation reads Joel Osteen, Rob Bell, Erwin McManus, and other such authors. They have not yet read the soul shaping works of Jonathan Edwards.

“True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials: then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is “found to praise and honour and glory.” –Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections

They are unfamiliar with John Owen, George Whitefield, and Charles Spurgen.

"...God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken, an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word to them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of predestination runs. They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints before the eternal throne. They are Christ's property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased them He will have them....Tens of thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the quickening Word of God." -Charles Spurgen

They misunderstand the beauty of John Calvin's teachings. They overlook to wisdom of John Piper. They have not known the life of William Carry.

"When I left England, my hope of India's conversion was very strong; but amongst so many obstacles, it would die, unless upheld by God. Well, I have God, and His Word is true. Though the superstitions of the heathen were a thousand times stronger than they are, and the example of the Europeans a thousand times worse; though I were deserted by all and persecuted by all, yet my faith, fixed on the sure Word, would rise above all obstructions and overcome every trial. God's cause will triumph." -William Carey, after 3 months in Kinmen

Most of our generation is yet to read truly BEAUTIFUL thoughts upon the Lord!

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
Psalm 34:8

They have not tasted and seen what is good. They are far too easily pleased. In Weight of Glory C.S. Lewis said it beautifully:

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

The ability for man, drink, sex, and ambition to stroke the cords of your heart is not difficult. Writing a book which catches your eye and relates to your soul cravings takes *some* talent. But I beg you, do not be so easily pleased with what you read. Raise the standards of who and what you allow to teach you.