30-Second Version For Busy People

A passage from C.S. Lewis sent a thrill up my spine this week. Do you ever get that jolt when you read something good? A simple idea that completely alters your perception?

Here is the passage from the last book in the Narnia series, The Last Battle:

“All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

• New Thought: Am I a book worth reading?

• New Action: Take a moment to design your book cover.

Remember, better thoughts lead to better actions, and better actions lead to better results. The world needs better Christians, and this begins with us.

Full Version

I am a book nerd. If you follow me on Goodreads, you know I have a goal to read 50 books this year. I am unsure how that measures against your reading goal, but I felt it was challenging. However, I could also glean from my readings.

One passage from my reading came from the ending of The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis’ climax to the Narnia series. This book contains one of the most wonderful depictions of the New Earth (even if it is in the fictional world of Narnia) that I have ever encountered.

When God wraps up this tragi-comedy that we call “reality,” what will it be like?

Lewis gives us a hint.

As all the characters that populated the seven Narnia books find themselves transported into Life after this life, they are trying to make sense of it all. The final page of The Last Battle offers us a revolution in our thinking about death that is worth quoting in full:

You're not paying attention to the words if that doesn’t send a thrill up your spine and goosebumps down your arms. The life you know is only the title page.

BETTER THOUGHT

Today's better thought: Am I a book worth reading?

Today’s better thought is inspired by a question that’s been on my mind, sparked by a quote from C.S. Lewis. While Lewis primarily pointed us toward what happens after this life, it made me reflect on my current reality.

If my life is the cover of my life’s book, is it a book worth reading?

Nearly six in ten (57%) Americans have bought or read a book based solely on its cover. We often judge a book by its cover, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing—the cover serves as the sales pitch for your story. It’s the initial impression you give to potential readers of what’s hidden behind that cover.

Now, let’s extend that metaphor to our lives.

Are you a book worth reading? Do your habits, words, priorities, and faithfulness reveal the story that God has in store behind the opening title page?

If the final chapter of our “book” is eternal life with God in all His glory and goodness, how does the cover (our current reality) align with what’s inside the pages?

BETTER ACTION

Today's better action: Design your book cover.

Imagine your life as a book. What would the title be? How about a subtitle?

If a stranger picked this book up in a used book store, would it spark their interest or make them curious about what is written within the pages?

The book cover should honestly reflect your life—who you are and who you aspire to become.

Once you've thought of a title, get creative. If you enjoy drawing, design a cover that includes your chosen title. Think about colors, images, and symbols representing your story and faith journey.

For those of us who aren't artistically inclined, don't shy away. You can create a word collage or simply write out the title briefly, describing why you chose it. You can also use digital tools to design a simple cover if that's more your style.

Reflect on what this cover says about you and how it aligns with your faith and values.

If you're comfortable, share your cover with friends or on social media, or hit "reply” to this email and send it to me. 

BECOMING A BETTER CHRISTIAN

When Christians get better, everyone gets better. Here are a few ways I am getting better this week.

• I took my boys to the library and picked up some new books for them. One of them, You Are (Not) Small, is a simple read with a compelling message about two fuzzy creatures who can’t agree on who is small and who is big. Your kids will love it, and you might learn something, too.

• From one of my recent articles on courage, “In a society where moral clarity can often be blurred, the world needs braver Christians. This bravery isn't about grandstanding; it's about quietly and consistently living out one's faith in everyday actions.”

• It's a new month, and I have new micro-habits. Here are the habits I'll be tracking:

  1. Write down 2–5 ideas.

  2. No social media between 8pm-8am.

  3. Do "copywork” exercise.

  4. Drink a glass of water first thing when I wake and last thing before I sleep.

  5. Say "soundtrack” out loud.

  6. Do 100 pushups.

I'd love to hear what micro-habits you're incorporating this month. Hit 'reply' and share them with me!"

Trivia—Who said it?