Book Review

Over the last few months, I've been participating in a ladies' Bible study with my church, which is studying through C.J. Mahaney's book Humility: True Greatness. In discussing this book, we've looked at how pride is really the root of so many other more obvious manifestations of sin. But because sin is so deceptive, we are often blind to it in our own lives, especially to the pride that lies behind it.

I remember a particular friend in college who would sometimes ask friends to take a spiritual "pop quiz." Though my pride resisted (and probably even resented) it at times, I appreciate now the concern this friend showed by holding me accountable, helping me to see areas where I had been blinded by my sin. So with that same concern for you, would you consider these questions?

Do you tend to live by a list of dos and don'ts?
Do you assume that practicing spiritual disciplines should result in God's blessing?
Are you discouraged or depressed by your failure to measure up?
Do you steer clear of intimate relationships or small group discussions?
Do your difficult circumstances seem like God's judgment for your sin?

So how'd you do? If you could answer yes to even one of these questions, then may I recommend the following book, from which these questions are taken?

Though not minimizing many other key doctrines in the Christian faith, in The Bookends of the Christian Life, authors Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington, focus on two doctrines that they explain can be seen as anchors for our lives. As an editor and former English teacher, their framework of our lives as "a long bookshelf," where "the books on it represent all the things you do--both spiritual and temporal," resonates so easily with me. However, I think it is an analogy that can be easily understood by anyone who has ever had to put books on a shelf, whether at home or at a job. Without something to hold up the books on either end, the process can become extremely frustrating and discouraging.

So what are the two "bookends" we are to lean the books of our lives on that these authors say are so vital for us as Christians? The first is Christ's Righteousness and the second is the Power of the Holy Spirit. In this book they spend a equal amount of time on their discussion of each, beginning first with Christ's Righteousness. However, what I believe is so valuable in this book, are the chapters that identify "Gospel Enemies" that often keep us from "leaning our books on these bookends."

Perhaps as you read the questions above, you could identify what these enemies are. One is self-righteousness; the other is persistent guilt. They also discuss a third enemy to the bookend of the Power of the Holy Spirit, which is self-reliance.

Along with identifying these enemies they give Scriptural and extremely practical ways to fight them, mainly by helping the reader clearly understand the doctrine of these two "bookends." As we understand that through the substitutionary death of Jesus His righteousness has been credited to us, we will more easily identify our self-righteousness and recognize our need to lean our "books" on Christ alone every day. And as we come to better understand the hope and promise we have of enabling power through the Holy Spirit, the pride of our self-reliance will be exposed, and we will more fully depend on the Spirit.

The truths of these "bookends" are vital to every Christian. If you're not fully convinced yet that you should read this book, take a look at this review that might just win you over. If however, you are interested in reading this book for yourself (which I truly hope you are), it is available here or here.