Glory Hunger [eBook]

God, the Gospel, and Our Quest for Something More

Everyone wants to be significant. To a certain extent, this is natural and good—evidence of our God-given desire for meaning and purpose. However, our longing for significance can easily twist into an insatiable craving for approval, recognition, and praise—and, if left unchecked, this craving will enslave us. In Glory Hunger, pastor JR Vassar challenges Christians to reevaluate their priorities when it comes to leaving a legacy, pointing to the gospel as the key to freedom from the bondage of narcissism and insecurity. Addressing cultural obsessions such as physical beauty and the goal of cultivating a “perfect” digital reputation via social media, this book will help readers refocus on what really matters: living a life marked by the passionate pursuit of God’s glory above all else.

JR Vassar (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) serves as lead pastor at Church at the Cross in Grapevine, Texas. From 2005 to 2013, he served as the founding and lead pastor of Apostles Church, a growing network of neighborhood congregations in New York City. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“It’s difficult to know what to say about this book, apart from the fact that it is insightful, accessible, refreshing, profound, and biblical. Oh, yes, and that in reading it my affections were reordered and restored, and I found myself desiring the glory of Christ far above and beyond my own.”
—Steve Timmis, Executive Director, Acts 29

“While reading I was convicted of my tendency to crave glory and applause. Every chapter is laced with JR’s vulnerability and honesty, while the hero of the book remains God, his glory, and his kingdom. This is a book I’ll insist every member of my team reads to help us reject personal glory, embrace the discipline of obscurity, and spotlight Jesus alone.”
—Aaron Ivey, Worship Pastor, The Austin Stone, Austin, Texas

“There is nothing more native to the human experience than to want approval. We don’t just seek it—we live for it! Glory Hunger shows us why we hunger for approval and points us to the only one who can satisfy that hunger.”
—Darrin Patrick, Lead Pastor, The Journey, St. Louis, Missouri; Vice President, Acts 29; Chaplain to the St. Louis Cardinals; author, The Dude’s Guide to Manhood

“A helpful meditation on the goodness of our search for glory, where it goes wrong, and how to set our hearts on the path to everlasting glory.”
—Bethany L. Jenkins, Founder, The Park Forum

“Hits the nail on the head about the condition of the human heart. In today’s world of obsession with fame and of a “me first” mentality, Vassar delivers a timely message. Great food for thought and medicine for the soul.”
—Bryan Loritts, Lead Pastor, Fellowship Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee; author, Right Color, Wrong Culture

“A penetrating look behind the curtain of what drives everything we do in life. I love Vassar’s discernment into the heart of man in Glory Hunger.”
—Matt Carter, Pastor of Preaching, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas; co-author, The Real Win

“Vassar diagnoses the central problem of every human heart with the brilliance of a surgeon, but—even better—he shows us with pastoral wisdom and fatherly care the words that will heal us forever.”
—Jared C. Wilson, Pastor, Middletown Springs Community Church, Middletown Springs, Vermont; author, Gospel Wakefulness and The Pastor’s Justification

“A great reminder of God’s passion for his glory. My friend JR Vassar challenges our addiction to worldly glory and compels us to ascribe to Jesus the glory that he deserves. Read this book, reflect on its challenge, and apply it to your life.”
—Doug Logan, Jr., Lead Pastor, Epiphany Fellowship of Camden, Camden, New Jersey

“JR does a magnificent job explaining the core reason we desire respect, status, approval, and praise: we bear the image of God, who exists to be glorified. Glory Hunger is an excellent resource to help us steward our natural attraction to glory. When the hierarchy of our loves is rightly ordered, with God occupying front and center, all other loves, desires, and ambitions find healthy expression.”
—Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee; author, Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who Are Tired of Taking Sides