Empty Promises

“You see, the question we’re dealing with in this book is not ‘Do you have idols?’  We’ve already determined that the heart is an idol factory.  The real question for any of us is this:  Which idol is God’s biggest rival in your life?”  This quote from Empty Promises, a new book by Pete Wilson gives us an idea of what this book is all about.  According to Wilson, we all have idols in our lives.  Anything that we try to use to seek the things that only God can give us is an idol.  We as humans are programmed to seek something better in our lives, we must learn to rely on God to supply those things and not look to the world for them.

The Review

Upon opening the book I was immediately captured by the ideas that Wilson presents in his book.  I recognize that I have many idols in my life, there are many things that I look to provide me with satisfaction, but sadly none of them can give what only God can provide.  We all do, whether we want to admit it to ourselves or not.

Wilson does not write this book in order to provide the reader with great theological theories and topics.  Instead he has written a practical book for the everyday person to read and understand that we place too much emphasis on those things that are of this world.  As humans we think that we can be fulfilled through power, money, prestige, or inanimate objects; but as children of God, we can only be fulfilled through a relationship with Him.

One of the things that I really appreciated in this book was the author’s use of personal stories to illustrate his point.  As you read the book you become aware of the fact that the author is experiencing the same things that the rest of us do on a daily basis.  He is fighting the same battles with idols as you and I.  This allows the reader to connect with the author and in my opinion, makes his message that much more valuable.  I was able to identify with many of the personal stories that were included and kept thinking throughout the book “I’ve been there, I recognize that place.”

My favorite illustration used by Wilson is the illustration of his sons arguing over who is going to pray over the meal at the dinner table.  After each one making excuses Wilson states that he must step in and assign the task.  He writes, “The whole routine is not only funny, but quite ironic, because apparently it never crosses these boy’s minds that maybe God can actually hear them arguing about not wanting to pray.  But no adult would ever think that way.  Right?  Sure we would.  We do it all the time.”

The Results

I read many books through the course of a year, but there are very few that I read that I just can’t get enough of.  This is one of those books.  Not only did I finish the book in less than two days, but I also highlighted about 40 or 50 different lines that I found particularly convicting or encouraging.  I really do like the message that is presented in this book.  This along with the easy to read and understand writing of the author gives this book 5 of 5 stars.

Empty Promises is a must read for Christians and non-Christians alike.  It will change the way you look at your life, your wealth, and most importantly your relationship with God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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