Her parents called her Lenya Lion because of her ferocious
personality and hair that had been wild and mane-like since birth. But they
never expected that, five days before Christmas, their five-year-old daughter
would suddenly go to heaven after an asthma attack. How do you walk out of an
emergency room without your daughter?
In Through the Eyes of a Lion, Pastor Levi Lusko shares the
eye-opening truth of the power of hope in a world that is often filled with
pain, suffering, and loss. He says, "This book isn't a manual for
grieving, but a manifesto for high-octane living, and through it I want you to
see that God made you for a purpose. There is a wild and wonderful calling on
your life, a microphone in your hands. Jesus wants you to look at the adventure
of your life through His eyes, the eyes of a Lion."
Part memoir but all overtly instructive and deeply inspirational, Through
the Eyes of a Lion gives readers the tools they need to face their
fears and turn their journey into a roar story.
Chapter themes include:
Chapter themes include:
- Don't rely on the naked eye
- Run towards the roar
- There's no such thing as a wireless anchor
- Let God use your pain
- Cue the eagle
What we do in life really does echo in eternity. You are destined for impact,
and there's not a moment to lose! (from the back of the book)
Review: This book cause more conflict then I've encountered in a while. Initially, I felt this was pop culture dribble mixed with borderline heretical statements. But my brother highly recommended it, and I wanted to read the works that spoke to him. After finishing the Lusko book, I have modified my original thoughts. His book has merit. My original assertion that he used more pop culture references than the name of Jesus was incorrect and judgmental. It’s about even, actually. He offers sound instructions about family, obedience to God, and eternity.
The part most worthy is the section where he speaks about
pain. He borrows from C. S. Lewis and called pain a “megaphone”. He says that
pain can often take us places to witness about God that we won’t get to
otherwise. Pain allows us to connect to others in pain, to meet them there, to
stand with them – as he has for others who have lost children. He warns us
about using our pain as an excuse for selfishness (p112). I found this
excellent advice.
In addition to Lewis, he also quotes A. W. Tozer and E. M.
Bounds – both of whom are well-respected theologians.
But I am still troubled by his connection with Steve
Furtick. As this is the second book in
the last few weeks where I have encountered him, I have done diligent study of
his theology. And the more I read about Furtick, the more convinced I am of the
heretical, arrogant, and erroneous qualities of his teachings.
I also realized that I react with automatic suspicion to the
type of church Levi Lusko leads. It’s very….hipster. And I automatically
associate anything hipster with fake, emotions over logic, and desperate
pursuit of what’s “cool”. Hipster is more about image than substance and that
is what I feel about Lusko and his church, Fresh Life. It’s hard to say these things
about his words about his daughter’s death. He seems honest about his pain.
When you listen to his teachings, it’s very positive. Rarely
does he mention dying to self, eradicating pride, or sin, as in, we are sinful
people. It concerns me when a church looks so much like the things of the
world, when it becomes cool to go to it. When our walk with Christ makes us
more popular with the world, I worry.
And yet, in Acts 2:47, the early Christians enjoyed “favor
with all the people.” I tend to be harsh and critical of anything hipster as
well, beyond what is normal. I can’t
argue with the fruit. Hundreds of people (maybe even thousands) know Jesus
because of Fresh Life Church. People are seeking God who never had otherwise.
So if one stands up and says “this teaching is wrong” you must also explain why
so much good is coming out of it. And I can’t. So it is very possible I am
being critical and derisive of his ministry out of some sinful motive, jealous
or self-righteousness or pride in my own knowledge.
Perhaps it is because of the Dallas Willard book I am
reading at the moment – he was been speaking in the Divine Conspiracy about Consumer Christianity verses True
Discipleship. Consumer Christianity is
concerned with appearance and numbers, while True Discipleship is concerned
with the eternal life of the believer’s soul. Consumer Christians abound, but
True Disciples are extremely rare. To be honest, I don’t know if I consider
myself one. Lusko and Fresh Life Church feel very much like Consumer Christianity.
They have all the appearance of good fruit and good works (and some of it is
real and true) but most – I’m not sure if it’s really how the church should
look. But again, who am I to judge another’s relationship with God?
Lusko’s writing is easy to read, accessible in language, and
mixed with anecdotes about his life with his daughters. He’s funny and
engaging.
But I’m not sure I would recommend his book. There is
something off about his teachings that gives me pause, even if I can’t name it.
Awards: None
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3214-2
Year Published: 2015
Date Finished: 4-7-2016
Pages: 192
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