42 seconds - review

I finally worked my way through Carl Medearis's great little book '42 Seconds: The Jesus Model for Everyday Interactions.' I can actually say it was quite enjoyable, even with the daily action steps (and not just a little conviction along the way). Carl has a masterful way of combining invitation and challenge to make difficult things seem doable. The book was full of encouragement, biblical accounts and stories, and it progressively nudges towards more Christ-centered living. I would recommend it for new believers and old alike!

First off, let me say, I LOVE Carl! Oh, sure, I don't know him at all - other than his books and from following him on Facebook - but he oozes passion and love for life and Jesus, and I need as much of that rubbing off on me as I can get. I've read several of his books and they were all good. He wrote this one in 2018 and then kind of dropped off the face of the earth. I'm glad he came back and recommended this as an "accessible" read for people. It is that.

I also LOVED the format of this book. It is under 200 pages, and broken up into four sections of five chapters each. And each day's reading (chapter) is only three to five pages. So it's great as a month-long devotional or to use in group study. There are questions at the end of each section. (As a disclaimer: that is exactly how the book is designed to be used... so if you're looking for a deep theological treatise you will likely be disappointed. The book is simple, straightforward, and real. Nothing more, nothing less).

So, what's the book about? Well, according to Carl, 42 seconds is the average length of Jesus' conversations as recorded in the Gospels. He goes on, "Of course not every dialogue Jesus had was written down, but this glimpse into his way of interacting makes one thing clear: Jesus deeply and eternally impacted people's lives through brief, everyday connections -- and you can too."

The sections and chapters are broken down as such:

1. BE KIND

1. Say Hey
2. Acknowledge the Waiter
3. Ask Another Question
4. Do Something Small
5. Talk to the Kid

 2. BE PRESENT

1. Breathe Deep
2. Stop Trying to Be Cool
3. Open Your Eyes and Ears
4. Accept That You Are Not God
5. Don't Be So Strategic

3. BE BRAVE

1. Find Your Barley Field
2. Stand Alone (when necessary)
3. Say Something Crazy
4. Be Full of Grace (and Truth)
5. Relinquish Control

4. BE JESUS

1. Do I Believe What Jesus Believed?
2. Do My Words Match My Actions?
3. Do I Really Know Jesus? 
4. Do I Do What Jesus Did?
5. Do I Live as if Jesus Matters More Than Anything?

In this book Carl attempts to help us: (1) discover how simple kindness can open the door for deeper conversations; (2) learn how the gift of presence can lead to deeper conversations; (3) discern when bravery may be needed and trusting God through that process; and (4) consider what it looks like to be intentional about being transformed into Jesus' likeness so you can be his powerful and loving presence in this world that needs him.

It's a good little read. I'm glad I picked it up!

***

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20