Going the Second Mile: Letting God Take You Beyond Yourself

If you want to go on living an average life as a good person, then don't read this book. However, if you prefer to live in God's abundant life, accomplishing goals too big for you alone, read Going the Second Mile by Dr. Mel Blackaby. When I picked up this book, I expected a more or less generic work on doing more than what's expected. What I found was a refreshing--and challenging--surprise. Blackaby's premise is that Christians are called to be more than just good people. God intends them to become something beyond themselves, something supernatural. According to Blackaby, letting God take you beyond yourself requires recognizing God's perspective on your life and relying on Him to make you more than you can be on your own. But this means going against the natural human instinct. Consequently, this book makes the thoughtful reader uncomfortable--in a good way. Each chapter offers a new challenge, addressing God's perspective on a particular aspect of the Christian life. Sectioned into manageable chapters with subheadings, this book is easily digestible. It is also an ideal read as part of daily devotions. The question for reflection and application at the back lend themselves well to a discussion group format. If you're ready to be stretched beyond yourself, read Going the Second Mile. - Jonathan Young, Christian Book [...]