Book Review: Outlive your Life

"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." 

I've got mixed reviews for this particular book by Max Lucado.   

On the one hand, Outlive your Life is a powerfully written call to reach out to the underprivileged, the sinners, the orphans, the poor, the lonely, the lost.  Each chapter begins with a heart-wrenching story of an unlikely person who made a big difference.  In addition, Lucado makes a great point that Jesus called some very unlikely disciples to aid him in his earthly ministry. 

I was also pleased to find that Lucado's fourth chapter, "Don't forget the bread," reminds us that our primary focus must always be on the eternal, not just on food, water, compassion, and shelter for those in need.  However, this concept comes across as just that--one little chapter, rather than true answer for man's problems.
I can't wholeheartedly recommend this book, for a few reasons.  For one, Lucado cites corrupt Bible translations and paraphrases, for a grand total of 9 translations.  In addition, Lucado gives references to ungodly personalities.

[God] is U2, and we are the neighborhood garage band.   

Lucado also says that Jesus saw something in his disciples John and Peter (and others) that was "worth developing and saving."  This goes contrary to what thhe Bible teaches about salvation:  that we're altogether unworthy.  God doesn't save sinners for the sinners' sake, but for His own sake.  Lucado also consistently refers to all people as "God's children."

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.