Guiltless Living - A Review

"It's not that we focus on sinning so much as it is that we focus on the glory and grace of God." - Guiltless Living, Ginger Hubbard

Guiltless Living is an honest, realistic, hopeful narrative dealing with the aspect of remaining sin in our lives.  The answer, however, isn't necessarily what one might expect, based on the title.

This book isn't normally one I'd choose to read.  First, it's written by a women; I tend to read books written by men for men.  Second - and, yes, I know we're not supposed to judge by this - but the cover image is a woman, from the waste down, standing barefoot on a beach...in a polka-dotted dress; it looks more like a "chick lit" book than one with some deep spiritual truths.

I'm glad I ignored all of my preconceived ideas. I found some great nuggets of truth hidden behind the cover. While written from a woman's perspective, there is much that anyone reader - male or female, teen or adult, single or married - can glean from these pages.

I like that Hubbard shares personal stores, some her own and some of people close to her, to illustrate her point. By sharing these stories (some rather recent) disarms the reader by not feeling this is written by someone "who's arrived" but rather a fellow beggar sharing where to find bread.

Some topics covered are a critical spirit, pride, selfishness, control (as in controlling others), hoarding/miserly behavior, being self-focused, and religiosity. In light of what some of us view as "big sins," we may breeze past these topics, but Mrs. Hubbard highlights why these are particularly troubling sins, as most have idolatry at the core.

The pattern of the book is to reveal the sin - both in terms of a theological definition and practical examples.  Hubbard effectively reveals what these traits look like in the paces of life - aggressive driving, manipulative behaviors toward our children or spouses, our treatment of the server at the restaurant, etc.

I like that, while diagnosing the problem as sin, Hubbard's solution is the cross.  To "work harder" or "try more" would merely devolve into moralism.

One quote that sums up the book:

"All that we need to overcome sin has been provided to you.  The cure for sin is the cross.  Only through the power of Christ can sin's call be resisted.  When we set our attention on the power of the sacrificial atoning work of Christ, our hearts become filled with his love for us and our love for him.  Sin is crucified.  It weakens, becomes unattractive, and eventually loses its pull. It's not that we focus on not sinning so much as it is that we focus on the glory and grace of God.  As our hearts become more filled with God, there is less and less room for sin."

One point of caution to the guys reading this: if you're like me, since the book is written from a woman's perspective, you may be tempted to say, "Aha! I get it! THAT'S what my wife is doing!"  Don't fall into the temptation of finding your wife's failings in the pages of this book. 

May we all view our lives through the finished work of the cross - living from that place of victory and residing in the grace found at foot of our Savior.  


Note: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher.  I was required to provide an honest, not necessarily favorable, review, and the opinions expressed are mine.