Short Book Review :: The Jesus Life by Stephen W. Smith

The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity (David C. Cook, 2012) is delightfully refreshing.

Stephen Smith gives the reader the sense that a rhythmic, well-ordered life that follows the pattern of Christ is one of freedom, not captivity. Even many of the Christian spiritualities today are law-based, seen as burdensome and difficult to traverse. And while, in a sense, the call to follow after Christ is a bearing of the cross, one filled with challenges and hardships, it is paradoxically through the cross that release is given and life is found. Smith maintains this balance well, for his book is an invitation to practices, to practical ways of engaging and following after Jesus Christ. His invitations to disciplines like humble anonymity, love of neighbor via love of family, intentional friendship, mindful observance of Eucharist, loving freely, routine Christian practice (ritual), and engaged suffering, demonstrate this is no easy walk, but it is the best of all walks. It is a walk with and in grace and truth, extended and found in Jesus Christ.

If you are looking for a guide, Stephen Smith knows a guy. His name is Jesus Christ. You will meet Jesus in the life of Mr. Smith. He points. And along the way, he helps, he prods, he questions, he challenges. He tells us to slow down, because Jesus did. And he helps us to see the kind of life that Jesus lived, telling us that we, too, can live that life, not based on our own efforts, but because Jesus has supplied the grace necessary, and the invitation, for us to come after him.

Read this book. Better yet, apply it.

NOTE: I received this book in exchange for a review via SpeakEasy. Learn more about Stephen W. Smith and his ministry, The Potter's Inn, by clicking here.