What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?

by J.D. Greear

God has a plan to make your life count for eternity. Stop wasting it.
You want your life to matter. To mean something. But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t have a compelling answer to the question, “What are you going to do with your life?”  
In this book, J.D. Greear considers Jesus’ radical call to give your life away to the greatest cause of all. To view your life from the perspective of eternity. To start making decisions now that you’ll be glad you made then.
It’s time to put your “yes” on the table and let God put it on the map.
 

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Religion, Christianity

176 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2020

About the author

J.D. Greear, Ph.D., did his degree work in Christian and Islamic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He is Lead Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC. The Summit’s vision is to plant 1,000 churches in by the year 2040. Currently, they have planted 11 and have several church planting teams stationed around the world.

Reviews

[Mackenzie Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Firstly, I had such an overwhelming encounter with God during my reading of the first chapter & my heart was just broken for the lost, a burden I believe is necessary for every Christ-follower to feel and acknowledge. Like, I could not stop sobbing. But it was a hopeful sob, if that makes any sense!

Secondly, this book will *hopefully* stir up a passion in you to immediately go out in public and start asking the Holy Spirit to give you opportunities to witness to people! It will also highlight how much we have been distracted by the media and constant influx of entertainment, especially here in North America, from this important endeavor!! If we truly believe a person will experience an eternity of despair and suffering if they die not knowing & believing in Jesus, then why aren't we asking every stranger in Target if they believe in Jesus? Not that I'm going to start doing that (well, unless the Holy Spirit tells me to..), but that's the kind of conviction we need in order to get over how uncomfortable & awkward it may be to approach a total stranger and ask them the most personal (& to some, offensive) question someone can ask another person.

It's a great reminder that we represent Christ literally everywhere we go. So live like Him, and most importantly, love like Him. In short, that's what you are to do with your life.

So yeah. Just read it.

[Cate Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lord used this to convict me of some things. Always a great to be reminded to live with greater purpose. Humbling. A good balance of eye opening and encouraging. Love this book.

[Leah Ginion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little but mighty. A short and concise argument for what it really means to live a life surrendered to Christ. Very helpful for college students, but very much also for literally all ages. Presents Scripture and asks specific, challenging, convicting questions. We as Christians make a lot of claims, but do we actually live our lives as though we believed they were true?

“What are you going to do with your life? Are you going to use it in a way that only makes sense if eternity is real and the gospel is true?

We have to make up our minds: If Christ is risen, then nothing invested into his kingdom is ever wasted. If he’s risen, everything we invest everywhere else is.

Only one life to live, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Do you believe this?”

[Caroline Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is convicting and transforming and I am very thankful this author is my pastor.

I think we can agree it is a good thing to write this and put it out into the world for anyone to read. However, it’s another thing entirely to actually live and preach its contents- which is what JD does. None of this books content was surprising to me because I hear it all reflected every week and in every conversation from summit staff.

Not only does JD believe it, but he actually lives this out- which makes it all the more compelling for me, and I hope for others, to read and live this out too.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great choice to end this year and step into this next year of changes and decisions and shifts in my life.

There were a few times where I questioned the theology behind what was being said, and it was definitely written to “catch” the attention of college students…

However, overall it did what it was meant to do, to urge, to start a fire, and to convict my complacent heart for the great commission

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shares a lot of important points for believers to consider as they live their lives. There were some areas where Greear used humor that I thought to be bad taste and I didn't agree with all of his thoughts but overall it was a decent read.

[Bridget Golubinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely moving. A must read for any Christian

[Micah Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

JD Greear does a great job articulating the “why” behind the struggle, discontentment, and disillusion that plagues so many people when deciding what to do with their lives. Even more, he gives a compelling reason for followers of Jesus to give their lives to ministry wherever he sends them. Giving two years to church planting stateside changed my life, so I really related to this book!

[Lexi Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like ok conviction

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I fluctuated a lot between 2 & 3 stars, but it did start to grow on me - and there's so much Grace - so I went with 3 stars.
I think I mostly just don't like the author's writing style? The root of all my issues with this book is that the author speaks with too much authority in areas that I think he needs to hold more loosely. He will just say that something that he believes is the way that it is, instead of being open to the idea that maybe it's not. You see if he presented his thoughts/convictions in a way where he prefaced that it was what he believed or that these were his convictions, then laid out his point, then followed it up with something like "but I know this isn't always the case" or "this had been my experience but I know God can work things differently" then I wouldn't have any issues with this book.
When he makes a point and frames it his way in order for the reader to view it that particular way, it makes me believe his point less or at the very least makes me think he is just trying to prove his own points - and I'm far more interest in God's point.

That being said, I did not hate this book. I did have issues with one part or another in almost every chapter - no joke I read the first three chapters and I was getting more and more ticked off at part - again just parts not the whole thing - of the book that I was thinking about just wrecking the book's rating. However, there is lots of perfectly good, spiritually helpful, and thought provoking stuff in this book. This book's strongest attribute is that it has a gigastrong call to action. Which is an awesome thing - Jesus gives all His follower the most gigastrong call to action which is Matthew 28:18-20. So that's awesome.
What really made me like this book was that I got to discuss the readings with Andy. The whole reason we started reading this book was to address his wrestle for God's calling for his life, and in the process I entered into my own wrestle on the same topic.

I would mostly recommend this book for people who are called to missions and specifically overseas missions - anything else and the author just seems to be shaming you. I for one am not called for overseas mission but rather to "live on mission" where he has me, which is here and not there. That doesn't make where God has me or what He has me doing any less valuable to Him or His Kingdom.
I won't write the book off completely - or the author for that matter. This book is really short and to the point and maybe that's why he doesn't feel like he has the time to explain things in an open manner. I am still open to reading another book by this author to see if more of his writings are this way, or if it's just this book.

As I read it more I did like it more - while still having issues with parts throughout. Don't let my review stop you from giving this book a try. It's a really short read anyways.

[Sumner Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was great, but I studied missions in my undergrad so this wasn’t exactly anything I haven’t heard before. I think he had some really great things to say and even some different perspectives I thought were good. Definitely a good book to pick up if you want to understand the desperate need to spread the gospel and then be motivated to do so.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I read Radical 5-6 years ago and that started us on our original church planting journey. Now we are upon launch weekend and it makes me happy to read a book encouraging my generation and the one after to live sold out for Christ. I hope many people read this and listen to Greear’s advice.

[Nelson Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will I be the retiree collecting seashells? Hopefully, I will never be that because every page of this book urges you to think about God in the revelation of urgency. I want to be like the 80 year olds still in the mission field, praising God with all they have. Please, if you do not understand the urgency of every life, whether he or she has eternal life or eternal damnation, read this book!

[Addie Nolley · Rating 1 out of 5]

not a fan. i had it in my dorm and figured i’d give it a shot and the first chapter was so good but the rest was so disappointing. a mega church pastor from NC telling us to sacrifice EVERYTHING just seemed to rub the wrong way.

[Courtney Pirozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is short but so so powerful. i’d explain everything amazing that it talks about but i want to let you read it for yourself!

[Hannah Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was equally encouraging and convicting. the Lord truly put so many burdens on my heart while reading this. i definitely recommend!

[Mattie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it!! Wow wow wow!! This book convicted me like no other! It truly showed me that we are called to make disciples in all seasons of our lives to make Him known!

HIGHLY recommend reading!

[Alivia Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read- loved how this book talked about the urgency to spread the Gospel!

[Allison Freese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book can be used to prompt revival. It's a loving call to Christians to remember there is more to life than the "American dream'. If you are saved you are sent, this short book can change your outlook if you let it.

[Hannah Kneffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom gifted me with this book for my birthday. By chapter two, I knew I needed to take advantage of my upcoming college graduation to strategically place myself somewhere that would glorify God. I started looking into opportunities to plant a church, and now, just a few short weeks later, I’ve been offered a position to help plant a church in an adjacent state. I’m so thankful for this book and the mobilizing effect it had on me. Through reading and fervent prayer, I know that God has called me to go and I’m greatly looking forward to contributing what I can for the sake of the Gospel.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you leveraging your life, time, talents, and skills for what lasts or just kind of biding your time? J.D. Greear encourages both those about to graduate, those in the twilight years of life, and everyone in between to take a long, hard look at their life and ask if what they are doing is lasting, and if not, why are they waiting to make a change to something that is? Building on John Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life sermon from 20 years ago and expanding on those ideas with his own signature style, J.D. Greear leads readers on an introspective journey toward a life not wasted.

This is a great read for a Christian at any point in life. It’s a good heart check to see if you are on the right path. Greear’s style is very readable, with some of his unabashed dad humor and entertaining stories thrown in, but always makes you think and is biblically solid. This book is similar in sentiment to Piper’s book from 2 decades ago (which makes sense, since it is based on the core sermon) and it also kind of reminds me of Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, but it stands out from both of those in its missional emphasis. I really appreciate how Greear makes it clear all Christians are called to missions and sharing the gospel, it’s just a question of whether you’re called across the street or across the world. He points out that God may not even have you leave your job, but ask how you can use the platform in your job for kingdom purposes. It’s more a reorienting of the heart than necessarily a move or job change (thought Greear does challenge readers to think about why they shouldn’t move). It’s a simple book in many ways, but the simplicity is radical. It asks hard questions about how you are practically living out your faith, and reading this could most definitely be life changing. It is so important to pause and check if your focus is on eternal matters or things that won’t matter next week let alone in a few decades. A highly recommended book for any Christ follower.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been many books written through the years that exhort Christians to mission. And no doubt there will be many more written in the future. We need them to be as every author brings their own slant and experience to the discussion.

Greear's book is short and compelling. He outlines in the first chapters the pressing need for Christians to get intentionally active in sharing the gospel for two main reasons: the harvest field is huge, billions and billions of people haven't heard the gospel of Jesus and it's growing bigger at an alarming rate. The second reason being that there is no better way to spend one's life. We will be able to do most everything we desire here on earth in the next life so let's not fill our days here on such.

Or as C. T. Studd proposed: "Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last."

Full of stories of other great missionaries, many of whom died on the mission field having seen little apparent success from their endeavours only for there to a long lasting legacy of Christianity well after their deaths.

Greear doesn't mince his words and nor should he. It's challenging and convicting especially in this season when there is a global stirring for God as a result of CoVid-19.

I received an early ebook version from B&H Publishing via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

[C.A. Cranfill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to JD Greear through a Biblical Study on RightNow Media. I loved his teaching through the book of Ephesians. Since then, I have read, watched, and listened to some of his other works, (most notably “Gaining by Losing”) and have always appreciated his zeal and call to action. His newest work, “What are you going to do with your life?” follows this same pattern of motivating others to move.

In the books opening, Greear recollects one of the greatest sermons preached in the last fifty years, John Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life”. He describes the power and effect that the sermon had on a generation. He even goes so far as to say, “I write this book because it’s time for a new generation of Christians to hear it—and to say to God, “Here I am, send me.””

This book serves as a clarion call for the next generation of Christian leaders. I may not agree with everything that Greear says (or how he says it!), but I definitely recommend this book! I would especially recommend young believers to read it and respond to the call to ministry. As Greear puts it, “The right question, you see, is not if God has called you to His mission, only where.”

This book was received for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. Hopefully, I have accomplished that.

[Patrick Idiare · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5
As a follower of Christ, I agree with and endorse this book's core message but ultimately (and unfortunately) don't think it was that well-written. It heavily relied on personal anecdotes, which isn't necessarily bad, but when those anecdotes are not actually personal, in that they were not the author's experiences but were rather collected from others and merely interpreted by the author, it lessens their impact. It also left the ideas discussed in the book feeling half-baked, which is a shame because the topic the book addresses is one which is vitally important and should accordingly be given the proper depth it deserves. Also, the book was weirdly and poorly formatted at times, which reinforced my suspicion that this work wasn't given the respect, time, and dignity it deserved. Ultimately, however, I don't regret reading it. Notwithstanding my grievances with its execution, I believe the book is a heartfelt exploration of how one should live their life in the truth of the gospel: of Christ's love for us exemplified by His taking the punishment we deserve and, more importantly, defeating death so that we might be able to share in his glory and life everlasting.

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first illustration you are given in this book is John Piper preaching his legendary sermon about not wasting their life. This book follows in that tradition clearly. Greear essentially asks the question that so many people are trying to answer today: how do I make my life count? How do I live a life that matters?

The answer is not surprising. Only the things that are done for God will last. He calls us to a life with an eternal perspective; we need to be focused on following Jesus and creating more followers.

I can't say there is anything revolutionary about this work. Like I said, you are literally met with John Piper, and many passages feel very much like reading Don't Waste Your Life (not that that is a bad thing). However, it is it is a good book, and I think it brings forward a challenge that every Christian needs to ask themselves often. This type of self reflection is a healthy practice, and this book certainly caused me to consider where my priorities lie. I would call that a success.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was almost afraid to start this book because the title itself is so challenging! What are you going to do with your life?? That is a big and scary question, you know!

The book did indeed turn out to be challenging, thought-provoking, convicting, and yet very encouraging. Though you might not find anything new, the author is an excellent writer and his writing is so refreshing somehow. I enjoyed his use of stories and anecdotes which illustrates his points so well. The one about the dogs chasing a mechanised rabbit comes to mind. No doubt about it I am often like one of those dogs!

A must-read for every believer. A quick and easy read, with pauses to reflect and examine your heart. It'd make a great gift too for young christians. Potentially life-changing!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Preach the Gospel. Die. And be forgotten.” - Zinzendorf
(favorite quote from the book)

While I really enjoyed his book, Not God Enough, this new one left me disappointed. Not only does it repeat many of the same stories and ideas, but it also diminishes the believer’s role in a way that feels very narrow. The central message seems to suggest that if you’re not actively working on the mission field preaching to unreached people groups, you’re somehow missing out on what believers are truly called to do. While I wholeheartedly agree with the importance of reaching the unreached, I believe a Christian’s calling to give their life for Jesus can look different than international missions.

The title also seems to target young people searching for purpose, pushing the idea that being a missionary is the only calling worth pursuing. I disagree. Also, the fact that all this comes from a mega-pastor in Raleigh left me feeling uneasy.

[Andrew Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can say without hesitations or reservations that this book is utterly fantastic and essential. I rarely feel comfortable endorsing something so enthusiastically. Five stars is simply not enough. Greear carefully avoids the errors and blind spots so common to these sorts of books and yet makes his point with simplicity and holy urgency. The publication of this book will be a link in a chain of events that ends with not just a few but *many* unreached peoples pouring out their praises around the throne of Jesus. Ordinary young people will give their precious lives as martyr missionaries because they read this book. Get it, read it, give it to the young adults in your life, and pray your heart out for a move of God in this generation to bring the gospel to the nations.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mixed bag. It's great: compelling, easy to read from a writing standpoint, relevant, engaging, and powerful. It's uncomfortable: it compels me to reevaluate my very comfortable faith, asking whether I'm really living for Christ or living for self. And sometimes, that hits a little too close to home. Necessary? Absolutely.

Written in much the same vein as John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life," Greear's "What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?" will challenge new and seasoned Christians alike to truly count the cost and "up their game" in the best way, for the ultimate Treasure--Christ.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there were two main barriers to me enjoying this book. First was the fact that this book was not at all what I expected it to be. I knew that evangelism would certainly be a theme, but I didn't realize it would be the core of the book's entire message. Relatedly, after finishing a 9-month faith and work program, I couldn't help but think this book was short-sighted in its conclusion that evangelism is the only way to live a purposeful, gospel-centered Christian life. Nonetheless, I'm glad I read this with another person, as our discussion of the book is honestly what kept it from being a 2 star read.