The Greener Grass Conspiracy
The symptoms are ubiquitous. They are easy to recognize in others but very difficult to diagnose in one’s self. The symptoms point toward a spiritual disease that has ravaged believer and unbeliever alike. Stephen Altrogge identifies discontentment in western society in his recent publication by Crossway, The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence. Altrogge does a marvelous job shedding light on the one thing that pierces hearts. Many people are decidedly tied to the pursuit of material goods and the increasing “high” they receive from it. Altrogge explains that contentment is something that is increasingly rare, however, it is something to be cultivated. In a society that preaches, “bigger, faster, stronger,” how is the Christian to respond? Altrogge suggests finding contentment not in worldly pursuits but in the joy of knowing Jesus Christ.
Altrogge also grapples with the hard issues of life that tend to produce circumstances that do not make it easy to find contentment. Altrogge is clear that circumstances are not the issue; the issue, he claims, is this conspiracy of our hearts. The conspiracy of our hearts, as it should be no surprise, is the core of the problem. Contentment, Altrogge explains, is a “disposition of the heart” and not tied to possessions. He recognizes the idolatry that is so pervasive and points the reader toward redemption in Jesus Christ. Altrogge’s use of scripture is commendable and fair to the context from which it is taken.
Throughout this book, Altrogge, laces a thread of humor that keeps the reader focused on the reality of discontentment in our society and the source of joy in knowing Jesus. One can easily discern Altrogge’s pastoral heart as he gently rebukes and exhorts readers. This book will be useful especially for believers who struggle with misplaced desires and who never seem content with themselves or their religion. This book is written for anyone who has ever thought the grass must be greener on the other side. After reading this book, people will realize how green their side is when Jesus is the sole caretaker.
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