Limitless Life
by Derwin L. Grey
Derwin L. Grey is the pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, South Carolina. He is also a popular conference speaker and an ex-NFL player. The main thesis of the book is that people pick up labels throughout their life that they allow to define them, and only Jesus can help people overcome those negative labels and give them “life-giving labels” (xiv). The chapters were organized based on negative labels and the “life-giving labels” that Christ gives to replace them. The titles of the chapters were “From Afraid to Courageous,” “From Addict to Free,” “From Mess to Masterpiece,” “From Orphan to Adopted,” “From Damaged Goods to Trophy of Grace,” “From Religious to Grace-Covered,” “From Consumer to Contributor,” “From Purposeless to Purposeful,” “From Worker to Worshiper,” and “From Failure to Faithful.” As the chapter titles indicate, the book covers fear, addiction, shame, religion, purpose, and other religious issues.
There were several aspects of the book that I really appreciated. First, the tone of the book was hopeful. In the introduction, Derwin wrote:
The message of Limitless Life will utterly transform you.
You will become more courageous and take greater risks.
You will accomplish things you didn’t even know you were allowed to dream about.
You will be set free from destructive habits that once harmed and limited you.
You will experience and see yourself in a whole new light that will cause you to shine like the stars in the sky.
You will forgive people you never thought you would forgive.
You will love those you thought you would forever hate.
You will live a life that, when you’ve breathed your last breath, will leave the world better because you’ve existed (xii-xiii).
This is just a small sample of the hope that Derwin gives his readers. Second, the style of the book was very “contemporary,” or relevant. Derwin used current issues, personal illustrations, and common language throughout the book, making it a very easy read. Third, the book itself was ultimately practical. At the end of each chapter, Derwin included a “Transformation Moment,” where he addressed the head, heart, and hands. The “head” section dealt with the big idea of the chapter, the “heart” section was a prayer related to the information in the chapter, and the “hands” section was a direct application of the big idea of the chapter.
I have heard Derwin Grey speak several times at conference, and I have had the opportunity to meet him in person. He is a very charismatic person and a clear communicator, and these things come through in the book. My favorite chapter was the sixth chapter, which focused on the difference between religion and grace. Christianity is not works-based; it is not about religion. Christianity is grace-based; it is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Derwin said, “When we live by religion, or works-based righteousness, we are never sure when God is pleased with our behavior. We are never certain that we are loved” (110). This is a message that many people today need to hear. Religion has left them empty, and they need grace; they need Jesus.
I would certainly recommend this book to others. It is an encouraging, hope-filled book that will challenge Christians to reject false labels that they have been given by the world and to embrace who they are in Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Pressing On 