7.1 Optional Book Review: “You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit”
I really enjoyed the book, “You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit” by James K.A. Smith. The central argument indicates that incorporating prayer, Bible Study, singing, preaching, tithes and offerings, baptisms and communion into every aspect of our lives, these practices draw us closer to God who is “both the subject and object of our worship” which “creates a powerful environment of God-centeredness.” (p 70)
The first key take-away for me is that to be sold out for Christ we must be immersed in Him in every area of our lives. While this is not a new concept for me, this book presented the idea of “liturgical experiences” in every aspect of life, some worldly such as consumerism and some theological such as worship. According to Smith, “The life of Christian faith is the practice of many practices,” not because this is something we accomplish, but because these practices are “habitations of the Spirit.” (p 69) Placing oneself in a position to be used by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the calling in our lives is critical, and impossible, if we are steeped in the liturgy of consumerism.
My second take-away in intertwined with the first: “It is not true to say that we need more of the Holy Spirit, but it is true to say that the Holy Spirit needs more of us.” (p 67) Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (John 15:7), we were sealed by the Holy Spirit when we received salvation (II Corinthians 1:22), but somewhere along the lines this perception that ‘we need more’ arose out of our liturgy of consumerism. The Holy Spirit indwells our hearts and is ever ready to guide and direct us if we just give ourselves to Him (John 16:13a)
My third take-away focuses specifically on worship. As I enter worship, my heart and mind prepare to pour out praise and honor to my King. Never had I considered worship, “the feast where we acquire new hungers — for God and for what God desires…” (p 65) It makes perfect sense, when we worship God in true humility we gain a hunger and thirst for His Word, for a closer relationship with Him and we gain a hunger to share that love with others.
One of the most important ways that this book has impacted my ministry is that I desire to dig deeper into the Word of God to flesh out many of the concepts presented. A second equally beneficial way that my ministry has been impacted is that I will be sharing this book with other pastors, particularly those who I mentor.
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- Smith, James K.A. 2016. You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. p 65, 67, 69, 70.
