Sep 18, 2010

Book Review: Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

Excerpt: Jim Wallis took some scissors to his Bible. He was a seminary student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School when he and some classmates decided to eliminate a few verses. They preformed surgery on all sixty-six books, beginning with Genesis and not stopping until Revelation. Each time a verse spoke to the topic of poverty, wealth, justice, or oppression, they cut it out. They wanted to see what a compassionless Bible looked like. But the time they finished, nearly two thousand verses lay on the floor, and a book of tattered pages remained. Out Live Your Life, pg 99.

Book Description: These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My Review: You can't read this book without being challenged, and changed. Max Lucado's personable writing style, and pastor's heart shines through each page. This book hits on something that we all want - to make a difference. Max shows some real ways that we can make a difference in our world and leave a lasting impression for the cause of Christ.

As always, Max's style makes this book an enjoyable read. I enjoy his mix of humor, information, and application.While reading the book, I became aware of how many ways I could impact the world. I find that I'm too often comfortable in my protective shell. I don't always like to get my hands dirty doing the work of Christ. Shame on me! I'm seeking to change that.

I believe that Max made some extremely relevant points in this book. He showed how we are so busy fighting among ourselves, that we are not reaching those in need. He reminded me that 80% of the world's wealth is owned by 20% of the world's population. He gave examples how I, an average citizen, can impact the world, and spread the compassion of Christ.

If you read this book with an open mind, it will likely change you.

My Rating:


My Recommendation: I recommend this book to any Christian who wants to make a difference with their life. Warning: This book will break the shell that protects your sensitivities from the poor and needy of our world.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

6 comments:

  1. I am a big fan of Jim Wallis and Sojourners (sojo.net). I'm glad to hear Max Lucado is diving into this imperative piece of the Christian life. And I'm sure with his knack for telling a story- that it's done quite well. Thanks for this review Christina.

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  2. Thanks for the comment and the follow, Lynn!

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  3. Sooooo want this book! Thanks for the review!

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  4. Thanks for the comments and the follow, Joanne! It's a great book!

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  5. Can't wait to read this book! Thanks Christina!

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