The Pillars of Christian Character: The Basic Essentials of a Living Faith Book

This book is beneficial for the seasoned Christian, young Christian, and any other Christian in between those categories. We live in a corrupt world and it feels like it gets more corrupt with each passing day. Personally, it is challenging for me to sometimes stay focused on the chief goal and remain faithful and obedient to God amid life's folly. I am sure many other Christians share my challenge. When I found this book on Crossway Books website, I hoped it would refresh me on the Scriptures and how I can live a more Godly life.

In each chapter, author John F. MacArthur discusses each attitude he considers essential to Christianity. They are: faith, obedience, humbleness, love, unity, growth, forgiveness, rejoicing, gratefulness, courageous, self-discipline, worship, and hope. He backs up his writing with Scripture, mostly from Paul's epistles. Paul suffered much for his belief and faith in God; Paul is a wonderful example for MacArthur to use while making his points. Some of the chapters were more helpful than others since I struggle in certain areas, yet all chapters reminded me how I need to act as a Christian.

As MacArthur states in his introduction, "the crucial issue in living the Christian life is the condition of your heart (p. 9)." I believe this as well. Before we can be at peace with the world and others around us, we need to find peace with God and within ourselves. Then we can go out and be the light of the world God commands us to be. While I may not agree with everything MacArthur writes, I did think he did a good job outlining the essential attributes and incorporating Scripture.