“Out Live Your Life,” by Max Lucado

I had the incredible chance recently to read and review Max Lucado’s newest book before it hit the shelves, and I’m so glad I jumped on the opportunity. He is one of my favorite authors. I love how he sees the world and how he explains things, and his books always give me a lot to think about in my own life.

His newest book is no different. Entitled Out Live Your Life, this book is a bold call to authentic Christianity, challenging every follower of Jesus to step up and make today’s church as bold and vibrant and active as the church of the first century. Max challenges us to imagine that Christians today could cause a revolution of love just as the apostles did in the book of Acts.

My favorite chapter in the book was entitled, “Don’t Write Off Anyone.” As you might expect, the chapter talked about Jesus’ unconditional love for the world and all of its people, regardless of any situation or circumstances, and how He calls His followers to have the same kind of love. This wasn’t a new message, but it was phrased in ways I had never heard before, using the story of Ananias and Saul to show our incredible responsibility.

I really enjoyed this book. Having just read another book on a very similar topic, I was in a frame of mind that was very open to this message. However, it wasn’t as challenging as I had thought and hoped. I don’t think it was his approach, because as I said, his writing is always thought provoking and encouraging of change. Rather, I think I was less inspired because I had just read a similar book, and because my church has been studying similar topics as well in recent months. With that context, it is hard to tell me something I haven’t already heard or thought about, and that is not Max’s fault.

All in all, I definitely encourage you to read this book and any of his others. You’ll be touched, and I think you’ll have a new favorite author, too.