Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli


Summary: Messy Spiritualtiy was written for the silent majority of us who have been convinced that we just don’t do Christianity right. We spend most of our lives worried about what we don’t do instead of what we have done, focused on our imperfections instead of God’s fondness for the imperfect. Why? Because we’ve been bombarded with books, tapes, talks, seminars, and movies convincing us that real Christianity is all about perfection.Michael Yaconelli dares to suggest that imperfection, unfinishedness, and messiness are, in fact, the earmarks of true Christianity; that real Christianity is messy, erratic, lopsided . . . and gloriously liberating. What if genuine faith begins with admitting we will never have our act completely together? Maybe messy disciples are exactly the kind of imperfect people Jesus came to earth for and whose company he actually enjoyed--and still enjoys. If you want to find Jesus today, look for him in the midst of burned-out believers, moral misfits, religious incompetents . . . men and women whose lives are, well, messy. Messy Spirituality is a strong antidote for the spiritual perfectionism in us all. Here are truths that can cut you loose from the tyranny of ought-to’s and open your eyes to the deep spirituality of being loved, shortcomings and all, by the God who meets you and transforms you in the midst of a messy and unpredictable life.

Review: Messy Spirituality is sort of like Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. It hits Christians where it hurts in terms of their own spirituality. I'll be honest I'm a Christian, but I haven't read the Bible. I also don't pray every day like I should. I try and sometimes I get a good week going, but then I just forget. Its almost like life hits me and I just can't do anything to stop it. This book made me feel better about my doubts and my beliefs. It was written by a guy who went through the same thing that I'm going through. There were some parts of the book that I've heard multiple times before. One of those bits is the part about rest and how important that is so we can hear God. I like sleep, but I don't like rest. Resting makes me feel lazy so I really don't like to rest. I know I need to get off that so I'll try to work on resting a bit. Another part that really hit home with me was the part about spiritual growth. Mike is right about how you shouldn't try do move to fast to prove you're growing. You need to find what helps you get closer to God and focus on that. I need to work on that a lot too. As it is there was a lot gained from reading this book and I'm so happy Brandon recommended it to me.

5/5

Here is a quote to set the mood of the book. I liked this quote a lot.

"Spirituality is a mixed-up, topsy-turvy, helter-skelter godliness that turns our lives into an upside-down toboggan ride of unexpected turns, surprise bumps and bone shattering crashes ... a life ruined by a Jesus who loves us right into his arms."

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