Self-pity and Christian Hedonism (John Piper)

The Christian Hedonist -- who has made delighting in God, not self, be the project of his life -- shouldn't boast in his successes or wallow in self-pity over his failures. But in victory and loss, he clings to the neck of another. The Christian Hedonist hugs. - John Piper

Excerpt: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/winning-like-a-christian-hedonist

"How easy it is to begin to assume that I should be comfortable. How quickly I can start to expect ease and hassle-free ministry.

But I tell missionaries just the opposite. Life is war. Life is stress: the language is stress; the culture is stress; the food is stress; the kids’ education is stress; relationships are stress. Get ready for incarnation and crucifixion." -John Piper

Excerpt: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/irving-hetherington-self-pity-and-service