Dr. Gill's complete comments on The Missional Life and The Essence of Everything
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The Missional Life: I like the idea of living life “on mission”. It reminds me that I am not to get too comfortable or feel too at home while I live on this earth. A missionary is a “sent one”, and there is no greater example of “One who is sent” than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One profound truth about being a sent one is that there is usually a clear reason for being sent…a purpose. What strikes me about The Missional Life, written by my friend Joe Waresak, is the challenge to live life intentionally, according to the deepest purpose in life, which is the glory of God. Joe does a good job in this work of leading us through a clear Biblical theology of Christ’s purpose for being sent to earth, our purpose for existence on earth, and God’s unique equipping in our lives to enable and empower us to fulfill that purpose. I especially appreciate Chapter 9, “Missional Stewards”. Joe reminds us that “everything in life is basically associated with one of two things, a relationship or a resource (p. 59). This is true and profound. Notice that neither of these two is “self.” I greatly appreciate the amount of Scripture Joe uses to support this truth and remind us that because people are eternal, relationships are what matter most. I always appreciate Joe’s references to the high priority of family and especially the role of male leadership (husband/father) in the home. I have witnessed that Joe practices what he preaches in this area of his life which is evidenced in his outstanding family. The Missional Life in an excellent resource for men’s groups in churches or for one’s personal devotions. Applying the biblical principles in it will change your life. (Click here to order The Missional Life) The Essence of Everything: Having read The Essence of Everything by Joe Waresak, I can say as one of Joe’s former professors that I am proud of the work he has done. This devotional is thoroughly grounded in Scripture, consistently applied to life and especially to one’s home life, and resonates with a passion for the glory of God. Though God’s Word is cited throughout this work, the verse that seems to be the thread that ties everything together for me is 2 Timothy 2:4, “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (NASB). In many effective and creative ways, Joe reminds us that this life is not our own…like his term “beyond1self.” Joe states, “A life in Christ revolves around Him and others-not oneself! It is here, and only here that we fully identify ourselves as being crucified on the cross with Christ” (p. 143). Though both of my daughters are grown, godly women, married to committed Christian husbands, I was still blessed as I read The Essence of Everything. As my wife and I can attest, God’s Word, when lived out imperfectly yet sincerely in a home filled with Christ’s love and a desire to live distinctly from what the world teaches, is the foundation for a home God blesses. Joe gives wonderful, practical ways to put that priority into practice. I commend his work to you and your family. (Click here to order The Essence of Everything: A Men's Study Devotional with family devotions) |
Dr. Jeffrey A. Gill Dean School of Ministry Studies Grace Theological Seminary
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to impact the world globally...
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