My friend Milt Rodriguez just released a new book. Instead of reviewing it, I’ll do something better. I’m going to post the foreword I wrote for the book—which is stronger than a review. I don’t usually write forewords for books, but Milt’s book was an exception.
Before I post the foreword, however, I did Milt a favor and gathered some endorsements that others have written for Milt’s book. He didn’t know I did this for him, so he should thank me.
Here they are . . . enjoy!
What others are saying about Milt Rodriguez’ THE BUTTERFLY IN YOU
“This was the best book I have ever read in my life.”
– Milt’s Sister
“A lovely book. (Please call, Milt. I’ve not heard from you in quite sometime).”
– Milt’s Mother
“An epic work. (Milt, I purchased a case of these books three months ago, and they’ve not yet arrived. What’s up?)”
– Milt’s Uncle Tony
“Every person needs to read this book and soon!!!”
– Milt’s wife
“I haven’t read the book yet, but I hear it’s great and I believe it.” (Milt, you were an excellent student with very good penmanship).
– Milt’s Second Grade Teacher
“This book kicks serious butt!”
– Milt’s Mighty Might football coach
“It was a real page turner.”
– Milt’s second cousin
“You call this a book?”
– The guys at Joe’s Bar & Grill
FOREWORD
The victorious Christian life. What is it, and can it be obtained in this life? Many Christian teachers say “yes,” but it can only be obtained through hard work (they say). They teach that the Christian life is one of working toward victory.
This was the teaching that I cut my teeth on as a young believer. It bled through almost every sermon I heard and every book I read. “Try harder, and eventually, you will experience the victorious Christian life.”
Like millions of other Christians, I’ve found this teaching to be tried and found wanting. I’ve yet to meet a Christian who proved it true in their own life. And in my observation, those who hold to it are still trying harder and waiting for the day when they will attain to that much desired but elusive victorious state.
To my mind, the major flaw in this teaching is that it begins with a wrong premise. The Christian life is not a matter of working toward victory by effort and hard labor. Instead, the Christian life is a matter of becoming who you already are. It’s one of working from victory, not to it.
Milt Rodriguez has unraveled this very thought in The Butterfly in You. Written in a highly casual and conversational style, Milt attempts to present God’s view of the believer’s true identity.
If you are a Christian who wonders what God’s opinion of you is . . . or if you’re tormented by a guilt complex . . . or if you’ve been trying in vain to attain the victorious Christian life, then this book may be the right medicine to cure your troubled heart. It has the potential to set you on a different course—one where you no longer strive toward victory, but begin to live from it.
– Frank Viola
The House Church Movement: Learning from the Past – Pioneering for the Future
Liked the review Frank. I will get it.