A Quick Review of Live to Make a Difference by Max Lucado

Live to Make a Difference is a companion book to Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference also from Max Lucado. With only 45 pages of text it is a very quick read! I read through several chapters repeatedly, but still took less than a half hour to digest.

I enjoyed the simple focus of the book. Max did a great job of communicating his core message, without feeling like I'd been swindled by the brevity and have to purchase his other book for the full effect. I'm sure there is more to glean in Outlive Your Life, but I found plenty here too.

Overall Lucado is impressing Christians like myself, specifically in America, to take action. He doesn't direct the action, just attempts to get us moving. His gentle reminders of Jesus' commands prod me toward helping others in need.

We are reminded of Jesus' words at his first opportunity to communicate what he was about:

Luke 4:18-19 “God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, "This is God's year to act!"

• Preach the Message of good news to the poor
• Announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind
• Set the burdened and battered free
• To announce that it's time to act!

Jesus had a plan. He wasn't passive in his approach. He didn't wilt at the first opportunity to stand up and speak. He made plain that there was something happening, that it was good, and that it was happening now.

Max points out a few truths about how and where we can and should act:

1. Act with compassion. Compassion is like a kick in the gut! (I love that description! When we get socked in the gut by what we're exposed to, it's obvious that we're impacted; and we're easily able to know to take action.)
2. Act good for the sake of others, not to be seen by them. Historically hypocrites were known by another term, "actors!" Take that to heart!
3. Act in prayer. Allow God to work through your fervent prayers
4. Act knowing that when we do good to those in need, we are doing that good to Jesus.

As I read Live to Make a Difference I realized that I am called to follow Jesus, to change my life and live in alignment with Jesus' instruction. It is not up to me to change others, only to show them love in my actions and approach.

Pick up a copy or two of Live to Make a Difference. Share 'em with a friend. Let me know what you think.

• How can you put these principles into practice?
• Have you read Outlive Your Life or Live to Make a Difference?
• What do you think?

Pick up a copy here: *

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. 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.”