‘L’ IS FOR LIFESTYLE
Christian living that doesn’t cost the earth
By Ruth Valerio. IVP. 190 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978-1-84474-343-8
This is an important book.
Some two millennia ago, the early church was described as people who were turning the world upside down by proclaiming Jesus’s unique kingship. Although we are currently being instructed that it is Darwinism which has transformed the world, Ruth Valerio’s book reminds us that the gospel is the only true transformative power. She also reminds us that there is not one inch of everyday life of which Jesus does not say, ‘This is mine’.
In 26 highly accessible chapters from A to Z, she discusses practical topics of everyday life. In bite-sized chunks, she shows us how the Bible encourages us to live more responsibly. Action points and resources are included at the end of each chapter. Subjects covered include creation care, fair trade, tourism, money and investment (topical subjects), jobs, volunteers, young people and much more.
The earth is the Lord’s and we live in it. And the way we live as Christians affects both the lives of others across the world, and the shape of our own society. Valerio is sensitive and practical at the small scale, yet aware of global change, and passionate about rooting her discussion in the Bible.
Many people feel uncomfortable at the disparity between our wealth and world poverty. Yet what can we do? What difference could a few Christians make? The scale of the problems overwhelms us and we seem powerless. Valerio exposes the great lie that it is not worth doing anything because we cannot do everything. We should also be encouraged that God does not work through force of numbers, but by obedience to his Word, as the astonishing cultural impact of our evangelical forebears demonstrates. Ruth Valerio shows us where we can start.
This book will be a boon for those preparing Bible studies on particular topics, from money to employment to ethical eating. It is a challenging book, rich in practical suggestions for faithful scriptural living. Buy it. Give it as a present — especially to students. We are spiritually impoverished if we ignore Valerio’s challenges.
