It has been a while since a book has impacted me as much as this one
has. Brownback takes much of the self centered nature of what is
popular in Christian culture today and sets us straight. In a time
when self (self care, self improvement, self indulgence) is the
focus, Brownback takes us back to the gospel.
Her
teaching penetrates to the very heart of why we Christians do what we
do. Are we pursuing personal change to enrich our walk with Christ or
are we just dissatisfied with ourselves? (266/1142) Are we living for
our own pleasures or for the pleasure of God's presence? (464/1142)
Are we focusing on what makes us happy or what glorifies God? We
cannot live for earthbound appetites and live for Christ. (536/1142)
Brownback
calls us to leave behind the self improvement trap (the old self is
dead, after all) and move to Christ centered goals and priorities.
She reminds us of Col. 3:1-4 and encourages us to first seek things
above, making God's priorities our priorities, and set our minds on
Christ and life in God's kingdom.
This
book has really made an impression on me. I was struck by her calling
us away from a self centered culture – even within Christianity. We
are not here to maximize our personal potential but to become more
Christlike and kingdom focused. (576/1142)
I
highly recommend this book. Brownback has included a six week study
guide with daily questions for reflection. This would be a great book
for a women's study but would work very well for individual use too.
If
you read this book, I think you will be challenged to rethink your
life and your focus. I was.
Food
for thought: “...happiness comes not from being thought well of but
by thinking less of ourselves altogether.” (133/1142)
My
rating: 5/5 stars.
Lydia
Brownback (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the author of
several books and is a speaker at women's conferences around the
world.
Crossway,
144 pages. This book releases January 31.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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