Cure For The Common Life by Max Lucado

The "common life" is analagous to the common cold.  Just as the "common cold" is boring, annoying, nagging and unwelcomed, the "common life" is unisnspired, boring and unfullfilling as well- and both seem to linger forever and are difficult to overcome. As with his many other inspirational books, Max Lucado's book, Cure For The Common Life, is sure to inspire and motivate the reader.  Specifically, this book empowers those readers who are not neccessarily deeply troubled with serious life issues, but rather addresses the common, yet ordinary issues that many readers face in the modern, first world, middle class societies.  The target audience for this book is not those facing terminal illness, financial crisis, or other serious issues, but rather those who simply feel they live an uninspired, unfullfilling life. 

Lucado draws his words from scripture, from the New Testament letters of Paul, when he states that  "The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others". page 4. He recognises that each and everyone of us has a gift regardless of whether we know it or not.  In fact, Lucado has the gift of recognising the "gift" in even the most mundane and common of circumstances and individuals.   This book is not for the hedonistic or narrcistic individual.  This book is not about harnessing one's gifts and unique qualities simply to advance financially or to advance in a career or relationship- rather the focus of finding one's special gift or purpose in life is to serve others and serve God.

Using an original yet simple formula, the reader will find the balance between using his gift for the right purpose by considering the three factors: "everyday life", "strengths" and "God's Glory" in order to find one's "sweet spot".  To consider one or only two of the factors might yield material or worldy success, but not be spiritual rewarding for God's purpose.  On the ther hand, the argument might be made, to include only one, the reader might have the right spiritual motivation, but be frustrated by his or her unsuccessful attempts at furthering the work of God and the gospel.  Basically, all three in balance are needed and systematically, Lucado goes through how to do this.  Lucado's writing is simple, and motivational, as always is the case with his books.  There are some interactive parts to the book which require the reader to actually think, plan and even journal some notes. Topics covered include the jobplace and children.  At the end of the book is a review section / study guide.  As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.