10 September, 2010

Outlive Your Life, by Max Lucado



Outlive Your Life, written by Max Lucado, is a part of a collection of books (spanning various ages) he wrote designed to remind today’s culture that we were made to make a difference, with the proceeds benefiting families and children through the compassion of World Vision. I was challenged by this writing to see needs around me and pray as to how I could meet them for the glory of God and to present a tangible evidence of His love to a lost world, particularly those who are unable to stand-up for themselves, such as the sick, the elderly, the third world, and especially children.

I appreciated how Mr. Lucado chose to pursue more than simply laying a how-to inspirational message for getting out and doing good. He dove to the core of the reader’s heart, encouraging us to examine our motives. He exhorts us to focus on the Lord, asking Him to search us (Ps. 139:23-24) and stating, “Do good things. Just don’t do them to be noticed. You can be too good for your own good, you know.” He challenges us not draw attention to acts of compassion that we do, or acts of worship to our Savior, or to “good Christian” things we do. Did you enjoy singing hymns as you drove to the destination of your family’s vacation? Enjoy the memory privately and don’t use it as propaganda for your “own holiness!” He also challenges us to set aside hypocrisy, to be the individuals God wisely created us to be, without feeling like we have to put on a façade to measure up or be accepted. Excellent book, but particularly for those in (or seeking to be in) ministry, to remind us of the heart issues that can so quickly become ugly and self-absorbed and need to be brought before the all-knowing throne of whom we serve to be tested and tried.

As a side note, I also enjoyed reading his testimony and how his college roommate, Steve Green, impacted his life. I had no idea!

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

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