Escaping Escapism: Stop putting things off. Start taking things on.

by Dave Griffith-Jones

Almost anything that is worth doing is a struggle. Almost anything that benefits other people is tough to do. Almost anything that makes a difference in this world is hard to see through to the end. Which is why, we’ll often do almost anything to escape doing it! Yet we want to love people well, even when they’re difficult… tackle challenges that we find difficult… and keep moving forwards through times that prove difficult. Deep down we want to get on with doing hard things, fix what needs fixing and change what needs changing. This book shows us how a bigger, better picture of Jesus will transform us. Our panic and tendency to avoid difficult things can be replaced with joyful, get-things-done confidence and proactivity when we depend on God’s power. If you avoid difficult things but want to change, this book is for you.

Genres: Christian

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2018

Reviews

[John Ayena · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The worst thing about being an escapist (or any other type of sinner) isn't that we miss out on a better life (though we do), but that we miss out on the presence of God. We don't just lose opportunities and friends; we lose God himself."

In Escaping Escapism, Dave Griffith-Jones diagnoses the sin of escapism (a term he uses somewhat interchangeably with the sin of omission) as a heart problem - more specifically, an issue of having a divided heart. He points to a number of descriptors that David gives God in the Psalms as the keys to fixing a divided heart - God as a refuge, a shepherd, a light, our portion, a rock, our strength and our salvation. This book is a Bible salad - I'm very encouraged by all the scripture that Griffith-Jones uses to point to God's nature and His promises.

However, this way of talking about escapism felt too simplistic and almost devotional. There was too much of "Pray that this truth would sink into your heart" for me. Being reminded of God's promises is great and can be quite motivating - but what does it actually mean to say that God is my portion? How is He actually my rock? What does it look like for God to shepherd me? And how does this actually cause me to stop escaping and start leaning into God's presence? Perhaps my expectations for this book were misplaced. I still think there are helpful Biblical truths here that should be meditated on (as I do agree that escapism is primarily a heart problem), but I found practicals for escaping escapism and "change your mind" moments few and far between.

2.5 stars.

[Lindsey Haro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't bad. It's definitely got some great truths in it but I felt like 15-20% of the book were lists of how we or other people use excuses/escaping. 'Are you doing this or this or this or this......etc." or "so and so does this, and so and so does that, and so and so....."
A lot of the content felt repetitive but the content itself was true.

And a few good laughs in there as well: " As my ever-loving wife delights to remind me whenever she beats me in a game, “Don’t worry—God loves failures!”"

[Pieter Morten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and helpful read that came at the right time providing some much needed bouyancy at a time I was drowning in anxiety and ill health.

[Rob Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession time - I bought this book last year (an embarrassingly solid way into last year). But I finally pulled it off the bottom of the pile and ... it’s a really good read!

Griffith-Jones’ writing style is simple, punchy and engaging. He writes in a way that’s accessible to everyone - perhaps perceived as simple by some - but challenging to everyone. And his approach was disarmingly refreshing.

I’ve got to admit that any book with numbers in its title puts me off - the “9 Steps...” or “7 Ways...” or “5 Habits...” just bugs me. But Griffith-Jones doesn’t do that. He takes that thing we all do - namely escapism - and shows us what it is with such insight that you will see it in patterns of behaviour you hadn’t even realised. Or at least I did.

That’s all to say the power in this book doesn’t come from a “methodology”. He doesn’t prescribe a series of steps to take to break out of escapism. If anything I was ready for that. But he sidestepped my expectations by going straight to the Gospel. He showed me who I am in Christ which has no place for escapism. Then he unpacks a series of pictures of Jesus that are an antidote to all my reasons for escapism. They show how absolutely good and sufficient God is. When I’m paralysed by fear of trying hard things, or fear of missing out, or simply overwhelmed by life, he reveals that running to God is the best way to go!

This is a good, practical book that derives its power from God’s character. Sure, you will come out of reading it with things you need to do. But the way you’ll conquer your escapism is to come face to face with God. You’ll see how everything you need to step out of passivity and into action is to be found in him. Read it and you’ll draw closer to him and be richer for it.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was worried it would be a self-help book, but clear reminders that God loves failures. Helpful challenge to see God as rock, saviour, shepherd, portion (my favourite) and strength.

Also specifically helpful to me as often I think I am strong, but this book challenged me that I was running away from things in a vain attempt to chase success, when success comes from doing hard and difficult things and even failing, but in God's strength persevering.

[Sarah Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking, soul searching little book.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Very insightful first few chapters, felt that it really described me a lot. Would be an interesting re-read sometime.

[Michael Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and solidly ground in the Bible. Plenty to think about although the author encourages getting up and putting it into practice!