Be the One! by Charles Ambroselli

Ambroselli wrote this book “to give you the knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration you need to conquer life's problems and turn your future around. Not only change your future, but also change the nation's future, the world's future, and the future of many generations to come.” (1)

Each of us has a share in the responsibility for the condition of the nation. “And it is up to each one of us to change our ways, confront our problems, and turn our nation around.” (2) The time is now to start making the right decisions. God has given you everything you need to be successful. You must make the decisions, one at a time. “The goal of this book is to give you God's timeless truth so that you will be empowered to take control of your life and your future, and achieve all the great things God has destined for you.” (4)

He addresses those things that might hinder us, such as what you believe about yourself. He speaks to the importance of right knowledge and its right application. “Seek after God's knowledge and a relationship with Him.” (18) He reminds us of the necessity of loving God with all of our being, and loving others. He touches on communication and the power of words.

About money he says, “...it is God's will for you to work and to be productive.” (69) Seeking God and His will is necessary for God's financial blessing. He includes some very sensible ideas about money management.

Regarding health, “Divine health manifests itself in your life because your body is submitted to divine order and Biblical principles.” (86) He states that it is not God's will for you to be sick. (87) “We must believe, know, confess, and apply the truth that it is God's will for us to be healthy and to live in victory.” (88) He notes the possible relation of health to spirituality: “A lack of spiritual reverence and submission can lead to bad health both in the short-term and in the long-term.” (92)

He has strong words for fathers and emphasizes their responsibilities. “If there is anyone to blame for our economic status, spiritual status, financial status, it is the fathers.” (97) For mothers, “The primary role and responsibility of a mother is submission to God and proper relationship with Him. He must come first. Not your husband. Not your career.” (105) Yet, “...the second major responsibility and role of a mother is fulfilling the needs of her husband.” (105) “The Bible specifically directs women to be homemakers and to take care of your children. This is part of the requirement of being in right relationship with God.” (106)

He notes that young adults will have to face the consequences of the actions of this generation. The youth, he writes, “must rise up to be better leaders, stewards, and harder workers than the previous generations.” (110)

The biggest problem in government is not the president nor the political party. “The biggest problem is that each member of society does not understand that they are part of the government and do not fulfill their responsibilities.” (115) If individuals were in submission to God, the size of government would slowly but surely decrease. “The lack of self-government has led to the economic difficulties that we currently face.” (116) He has some words for government too. “God and Biblical principles need to be involved in every area of government...” (118) “We must be one nation under God. If we submit to His authority and to His direction, we will be blessed with His protection and His provision.” (120)

The church, he writes, has dropped the ball. The church's disobedience is destroying the nation. (129) He outlines right action for the church.

He ends with a challenge to the nation – What will be the response to the information presented in this book? (132)

The emphasis in this book is achieving great things. It leans heavily toward the “positive confession” idea. For example, “To achieve the great things God has prepared for us, we must believe and confess God's Word over our bodies, our lives, our finances, our future, and our nation.” (41) Yet he is quick to point out individual responsibilities, such as right eating, right financial habits, etc.

I think this book would be best read in a discipleship group. Ambroselli has lots of encouragement but little in practical technique, or “how to.” A group could generate ideas and hold each other accountable.

He has included questions at the end of each chapter for further reflection and discussion.

Charles R. Ambroselli is the founder and pastor of Kingdom at Mount Zion Family Church in Marietta, Georgia, and is the proud father of three beautiful girls. He is a Certified Financial Planner™, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Qualified Kingdom Advisor™. Charles earned a Bachelors and a Masters of Business Administration from Saint Bonaventure University. Both degrees are concentrated in accounting and finance. Currently, Charles is a doctoral student at Christian Leadership University. He also has completed academic programs at College for Financial Planning and at the Christian Living Bible Institute.

You can find out more at www.ubetheone.com. 

CrossBooks Publishers (a division of Lifeway), 140 pages.

I received an egalley of this book from TB&B Media for the purpose of this review.