The Cross Centered Life

What is the single most important factor that drives your life? Career? Family? Politics? Money? The Cross? That last ones seems a bit out of place, doesn't it? The most important Truth is the easiest to forget. As believers, we hear about Jesus, the Cross and the Resurrection on a regular basis (if we're in a good church), and sometimes it becomes so familiar that we just forget about it - it becomes a habit. When this happens, we lose sight of what's really important. We concoct all sorts of peripheral purposes for our lives. C.J. Mahaney wrote this short book (85 pages) to help believers refocus. He examines three of the most prominent tendencies among Christians that cause them to focus their attention away from the Cross. They are Legalism, self-condemnation and feelings vs. reality. First, as legalist we try to perform our way into a right relationship with God. When we live a Cross-Centered life, we are rescued from the performance trap. Next, self-condemnation is the result of guilt and shame, but living a Cross-Centered Life helps us understand those things accurately. Finally, often our feelings is what dictates our actions, when in reality, a Cross-Centered Life helps us deal in facts, regardless of feelings.
Mahaney also offers a chapter on practical ways to center every day around the Cross. They are such simple ways, but those are precisely the things that get cut from a busy schedule. I highly recommend this little book - it will help bring huge benefits to your life. After reading it, if you find this book helpful and want other resources by C.J. Mahaney, they can be found at Sovereign Grace Ministries. Read 'em & Reap!

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