The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

Reviewed by:

Chrysa Keenon, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University in Upland, IN.

Title:

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

Author:

Justin Whitmel Earley

Publisher:

IVP Books

Publication Date:

Feb. 19, 2019

Format:

Print

Length:

196 pages

Overview:

The modern world is full of notifications, alerts, updates messages, and countless other things that poke at our attention span. In this world of distraction, we have become more anxious, busy, and depressed. Has the human race forgotten about God in our busy day-to-day lives? How do we start reconnecting with our neighbors outside of the screens that surround us? In The Common Rule, Justin Earley offers four daily and four weekly habits that are designed to help us create and stick to routines that are centered around prayer and mindfulness.

Earley’s book presents realistic scenarios and struggles, ones that involve working too hard, not resting, or leaving no time for friends and family. No matter the personal battle, every reader will be able to connect with a trial touched on in this book. Earley offers a variety of helpful ways to instill more mindful, prayerful habits to keep our eyes on God and not just on the screen. The Common Rule breaks down each of the eight habits in three ways, giving readers plenty of options for flexibility to their lifestyles.

Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience:

This book can work for readers at any stage of life—parents, students, recent graduates, or newly married. The overarching call for freedom from our busy lives is something anyone can relate to.

Christian Impact:

Earley makes the path to rekindling your faith doable in today’s busy society. Readers will find his organizational tools a helpful way to slowly push back against the all-consuming noise of our smartphones and media. By re-centering ourselves daily in prayer as Earley suggests, we can keep our faith strong and secure ourselves in Christ.