Why Your Christian Life Is Similar to a Book Review

When one of my books reached 108 reviews, it made me look back on my journey as a self'-published author. It wasn't that long ago when I didn't know where my first review could even come from. I felt terrified asking people, not quite certain how my book could ever measure up.

Now, after reading many of these reviews, I felt more assured in promoting my work. What a difference the opinion of other people had been when it comes to trusting my book more! They made me realize somebody appreciated my thoughts. People were able to relate with me, and their hearts were touched despite the simplicity of my writing.

And if these reviews had this impact upon me, would they not help my book seem more credible for others, too?

As I pondered upon this fact, I realized how we can also compare our Christian lives to these book reviews.

For many people, faith in God is like a book they haven’t even heard of.

Even if they did, they may have doubts about it or heard many negative things about God.

Our Christian lives are like book reviews that they could read to help them see whether they could look farther about our faith.

Here are some of the ways our Christian lives can be compared to book reviews when it comes to promoting our faith:

1. Every Christian life is an open testament to the faith

One’s Christian life is never a private matter. Each life is a witness to the faith that we profess. It’s as though we are walking “’book reviews” that anyone can read along the way.

What will others read when they take a look at our lives? Will they find the Gospel to be more credible because of the way that we live? Or do we contribute to negative reviews about our faith?

2. Not every Christian life is the same when it comes to evangelizing other people

Not all book reviews are similar. There are those who leave five-star ratings without any farther words to describe the book they just read. Meanwhile, there are those that give more specific insights that are helpful for others who can’t decide whether to buy the book or not. Some give a short but concise opinion. Still others leave a longer feedback that finally convinces people to buy the book they read.

In our Christian life, do we also give longer and more helpful insights by evangelizing other people? Or are we afraid to offend anyone and so we simply decide not to talk about our faith anymore?

3. The most effective witness is that of a credible personal encounter

Not every person can be convinced even with a detailed review of a book. A person can still have doubts and some unsatisfied questions at the back of one’s mind. But it’s different when the person recommending the book is a trusted friend or a family member.

It’s the same way with our Christian lives. We can only do so much in preaching to people who don’t even know who we are. But it’s different when we encounter people face to face. And the impact is greater when we have a deep relationship with people who want to know more about our faith.

Would you give a good testimony about the faith through your life?

The challenge is ours whether we want to contribute more in spreading the Good News to other people or remain silent about the treasure we have found.

What message will others see when they get to know who we are? What kind of lives would they see us live each day?

By God’s grace, may our lives be like credible book reviews inviting people to come and learn more about the faith. May we become authentic witnesses to the truth of the Gospel, leading people to the unfailing love and incomparable beauty of God.

“The most deadly poison of our times is indifference. And this happens, although the praise of God should know no limits. Let us strive, therefore, to praise him to the greatest extent of our powers.” - Maximilian Kolbe

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSVCE)

Jocelyn Soriano works full-time as a Catholic writer to share the word of God and invite everyone to take refuge in God’s truth and love.

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