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Author: Max Lucado

Book: Christianity

Year of Release: 2004

"I am the center of the universe." Such is the conviction of babies and young children. They grab. They cry. They want their own way. Sadly but unsurprisingly, though, it is also the discrete mantra of the adult heart. Even the adult Christian heart.

In "It’s Not About Me", author Max Lucado paints the big picture in an attempt to place the reader firmly in his rightful place in the universe. The title rouses curiosity through either agreement or contention. He deems the human wiring and culture of self-preservation and self-promotion to stand in the way of effectively living out our purpose. The antidote? God’s glory. God’s glory experienced and God’s glory reflected.

The glory of God can be a heavy subject for discussion. With the light-hearted language and creative analogies, however, the reader is given a perspective which may be directly contradictory to what the world dictates but strongly supported by Scripture. God seeks His own glory declared and it displeases Him when we think that it is all about us. "If it’s all about us, then it’s all up to us," Lucado says. Unlike our egotistical craving for recognition and praise, God intends for His glory to be revealed for our sake. The "dethroning" is graciously done without demeaning the value of the human person in the eyes of God. In fact, a whole chapter is dedicated for God’s love for us. Understanding how the God who is incomparably holy and unchanging can give of His Son can only leave one in awe of His limitless love. It is in this love that He does not make it about us. Salvation by grace is illustrated figuratively and while God’s love and mercy are emphasized, His distaste for sin is not left in the dark.

After tasting the glory of the Holy God, we will now be able do what we have been made to do. Simple is our job description. To emanate the glory of God. Through our body, in both our strength and pain. We are messengers and mirrors that are to showcase the Master alone, otherwise defeating our purpose. Contemporary issues like health, sex, calamity and success are not discounted. They are, however, placed in proper perspective, which is all for the promotion of the glory and goodness of God, thus giving them fresh meaning.

While mostly delivered in a candid and conversational language, the book is balanced with poetry and direct quotations from the Bible. Descriptions, though wordy and lengthy, are brought together with translations and definitions which are necessary for the understanding of the proper contexts. The depth of biblical truth is spiced with humorous imagery that engages the reader and sustains both curiosity and conviction.

The message hits the reader to the core. It may be uncomfortable to digest because it is something we do not enjoy hearing. We want to be acknowledged, prized and praised. We want it to be all about us. While it is humbling to see that it is not, the message gives encouragement as we find value in the great God’s love, and hope in being able to effectively and excellently fulfill the purpose we were created for. After all, it’s all about Him.

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