Book Review:: Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

As a writer, I want my words to outlive me.  That is, hundreds of years from now I want the words I wrote to matter because the intent of a writer is to be heard.  And, naturally, every writer wants to be successful.  Then again, maybe I’ll be the writer that influences another writer and so on and so forth.  At only 30 years of age, my opportunities to be an agent of change in the world are endless, nor are they just concentrated in writing.  Still, I want to know my place and I want to know if my place will make any difference at all.  Therefore, best-selling author Max Lucado’s new book, Outlive Your Life, was of particular interest to me.

In his latest installment, Lucado asks the question, “Does He still do it?  Does Jesus still use simple folks like us to change the world?”  The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Using the first twelve chapters of Acts as grounds for his book, Lucado recites the old adage, “God doesn’t call the qualified, but qualifies the called.”  And he follows the methodology—chapter after chapter using personal stories, tales about world changers, and Bible passages to make his points.  The result is an in-depth look at what happens when Christians respond to Jesus’ imploring call to follow Him.

Despite Lucado’s constant reminders that American Christians are the most affluent in the world, the author didn’t simply call on believers to empty their checkbooks into their favorite charities.  Instead, he lists ways we can make a difference right where we are—through microloans to business owners in third world countries, using gifts like sewing to make clothes for premature babies, and being hospitable to our neighbors.  Don’t worry about what you don’t have to give, he says, but what you do have to give.

I have always admired Max Lucado’s ability to bring Bible stories to life and especially appreciate his take on one of my favorite books of the Bible, Acts.  As he retells Peter’s healing of a crippled man at the Temple Gate called Beautiful, Stephen’s testimony before the Sanhedrin, and Philip’s baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch, readers will be transported to the Middle East to walk the dusty road of Damascus with a man name Saul.

Though Outlive Your Life is a simple, easy read, its impact is far more reaching if you allow Lucado’s words to saturate your heart.  Plus, he has provided verses and prayers at the end of each chapter so readers can truly make a prayerful commitment to God.  Discussion questions are also provided in the back of the book for more in-depth personal or group study.  With Outlive Your Life, Lucado isn’t simply writing a book, he is heralding a revolution.

Amy’s Grade: B

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**