A Time to Choose

by Neal A. Maxwell

What is required of a disciple of Christ? How can one reconcile his faith and obedience to the Gospel with the world's cry for freedom, relevance, science and technology? This small volume deals with such dilemmas of discipleship. In his foreword, the author states that "whenever individuals face their time to choose and respond to Jesus' entreaty to 'Come ye after me,' they place their feet on the straight and narrow path where Jesus walked-a path that is always the same with only one gate at journey's end, and Jesus himself is the gatekeeper." This, then, is the message of A Time to observations of what discipleship means in today's world, the demands it makes of those who follow the Savior, the need to discern and choose the paths that lead to the straight and narrow way, the relevance of Christ's message, and the need for the disciple to be able to articulate and communicate this message at home as well as in the world. The author "Finally, each of us somehow finds time to do the things we really want to do. For, 'there is a time for every purpose and for every work,' including a time to choose. For some, choosing will be a first experience; for others, seeking to get back on the straight and narrow, it will involve recommitment. Either way, the demands of discipleship are the same, and the earliest one can ever face his time to choose is now!"

Genres: Lds, Religion

93 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Neal A. Maxwell was well known as an Apostle, author, administrator, and educator. A graduate of the University of Utah, he was the Commissioner of Education for the Church Educational System for six years. He also held a variety of administrative and teaching positions at the University of Utah, including that of executive vice-president.

In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.

Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.

Reviews

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Elder Maxwell. I have found that some of his earlier works, I didn't enjoy as much as some of his later ones, but this one was great. As I was reading it, I often thought, "He really wrote this in 1972? It sounds like he's describing today."

For example, he said, "many of the young hunger for deeper relationships with other people. The need is heightened as today's sense of traditional community diminishes."

Or this, "At one time, man's way of life was so stable that the ordinary life experiences of young and old were very similar. Now events that once stretched over decades are compressed into months, or even weeks; technology and the knowledge explosion have resulted in a condition in which parents and their children have grown up in very different worlds."

This helped me appreciate the saying, "the more things change, the more they stay the same."

The book did have a lot to say about youth, but I honestly didn't see a cohesive theme between chapters. Nevertheless, his insights were pretty profound, as always.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book.It is only 89 pages long so it could be a really quick read but it took me longer because I would read a page or two and then I would have to put it down and think about what he said. This book is filled with tons of good one liners and mottos to live by. It is uplifting and realistic at the same time.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving Elder Maxwell's books right now. This one is not as easy to move through as Not Withstanding my Weaknesses and All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience but it is a more sobering and a serious reflection of agency in this life.

[John Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with everything else that Elder Maxwell wrote or said, this book is one that reviews the reader more than the reader can review it. Enjoy. The greater the application, the more the enjoyment.

http://goodgazette.blogspot.com/2015/...

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read about becoming a disciple of Christ, aside from the scriptures. It's a short read but such a powerful source for strengthening your dedication to Christ.

[Terry Earley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I am finding and reading/re-reading Maxwell's books for uplift and enjoyment. Still timely and profound.