Pressure's Off, The: There's A New Way To Live by Larry Crabb

There are two basic approaches to life–two pathways. One creates pressure, the other provides freedom.

In the Old Way of life, as best-selling author, psychologist, and spiritual director Larry Crabb describes it, “you have decided that what you most want out of life is within your reach, and you are doing whatever you believe it takes to get it.” But in the New Way of life, “you have realized that what you most want is beyond your reach, and you are trusting God for the satisfaction you seek. You want Him. Nothing less, not even His blessings, will do.”

The Old Way–the way most Christians define life and pursue fulfillment–is fundamentally wrong and harmful. It leaves us tired, in bondage, and feeling distant from God. But the New Way brings true freedom and refreshment as we tap into the power to draw closer to God in a personal way.

“We can’t always make life work. But we can always draw near to God. There is a different way to approach our problems. There is a NEW WAY to live.” —Larry Crabb

Expectations have never been higher. Without the most recognizable markers of success, many non-Christians and Christians alike feel dissatisfaction and a vague discontent with life. They seek after blessings and believe that the good life comes to those who follow the rules. Not necessarily so, states Crabb (Finding God), who has had his own trouble with such "linear" thinking. Crabb details how this behavior-leads-to-blessings theology has become endemic within the church today. This "Law of Linearity" no longer holds true, he claims. Instead, Christians can embrace the "Law of Liberty," discovering the embrace of God without the pressure to perform. For openers, Crabb lays the groundwork for his passionate plea to forsake restraints that bind. Far and above any blessing God may give, he says, Christians' most urgent need is for the Father himself. Crabb soberly describes how weary this generation of Christ's followers has become, and how far, to their own shame, they've distanced themselves from God's plan for humanity. While there's no simple cure for the rampant decay that results from self-centeredness, Crabb notes that genuine seekers can be recognized by where they expend their energies. Crabb, who at times reads as self-deprecating, offers statements that are catchy and thought-provoking but not gimmicky: "Only the mature value the blessing of presence over the blessing of presents." Crabb's message resonates convincingly, giving Christian readers who have embraced the gospel of good behavior some fresh food for thought. (Mar.)Forecast: Crabb has a solid sales record in the CBA, a market that will likely welcome this refreshing title. WaterBrook will simultaneously release a workbook for individual and group study.