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Why You Matter: How Your Quest for Meaning Is Meaningless without God
"Pastor and apologist shows that life is only meaningful if God exists and explains how that knowledge provides clarity for a number of important issues, such as identity, hardship, ethics, and vocation"
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 5, 2021
Really loved this book! I struggle with identity and finding my value and purpose. I think Sherrard did a great job gently pointing out where our beliefs (as a nation) and me individually (who has been influenced by our culture) rob us of purpose and meaning. This book is very practical. I felt that the meat of "why you matter" was covered in the introduction. The following chapters were practical applications and the working out of what was given in the intro. With that being said, definitely don't skip the intro on this one! It's totally worth it!
This is a book I want to share with my family and friends. It is very gentle (important when dealing with people's core beliefs) and eye opening. I didn't realize how much I think like the world. I choose to believe lies that God has not said about me. He has made me way more valuable than I imagine.
The book is very relevant to our time in the pandemic and addresses a how where we find our identity and worth shapes how we handle a lot of the major issues of today.
It is a quick read and definitely worth the time.
This is a book I want to share with my family and friends. It is very gentle (important when dealing with people's core beliefs) and eye opening. I didn't realize how much I think like the world. I choose to believe lies that God has not said about me. He has made me way more valuable than I imagine.
The book is very relevant to our time in the pandemic and addresses a how where we find our identity and worth shapes how we handle a lot of the major issues of today.
It is a quick read and definitely worth the time.
November 1, 2022
Reread. Still love this book and find it encouraging and thought-provoking and some things I'd forgotten and they resonated a lot.
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This book isn't perfect, but that'd be too much to ask of any book. It's short, and a couple of the chapters were weaker to me, but overall, this book is packed with encouragement and truth.
I'd recommend it to Christians or those questioning or curious about Christianity who are struggling with:
-feelings of failure
-low self-worth or self-loathing
-apathy
-anxiety
-depression
-how to love others or if it even matters
-lack of clarity about what it means to be "made in the image of God" or "give God glory"
This book will not cure your mental illness or instantly change your life, that's not how books work. But might it help your growth, encourage you, help you have realizations that will affect your mental health, fight lies that can worsen your mental health, edify you, and maybe help your motivation? As someone struggling with a lot of the things I mentioned above (and currently is in counseling), I say yes. This is a book I think I'll be revisiting a lot to work on truly understanding and absorbing it.
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This book isn't perfect, but that'd be too much to ask of any book. It's short, and a couple of the chapters were weaker to me, but overall, this book is packed with encouragement and truth.
I'd recommend it to Christians or those questioning or curious about Christianity who are struggling with:
-feelings of failure
-low self-worth or self-loathing
-apathy
-anxiety
-depression
-how to love others or if it even matters
-lack of clarity about what it means to be "made in the image of God" or "give God glory"
This book will not cure your mental illness or instantly change your life, that's not how books work. But might it help your growth, encourage you, help you have realizations that will affect your mental health, fight lies that can worsen your mental health, edify you, and maybe help your motivation? As someone struggling with a lot of the things I mentioned above (and currently is in counseling), I say yes. This is a book I think I'll be revisiting a lot to work on truly understanding and absorbing it.
March 4, 2021
The author of this book seems to think this book will encourage the reader. That may be so, but the first chapter was a real downer for me. He gets into some political or hot button issues right away just after he said he hopes this book would be a “reset of what you think about yourself, your significance, your purpose, and your value.” I wasn’t sure why he felt compelled to discuss those controversial topics early on. Later in the book when he talks about the challenges of his son with a rare genetic disorder, his writing becomes more real and would have made a good setting for the introduction of the book.
The book was written in 2020 during COVID-19 --- at least one place he assumed you would read this while the pandemic is still going on. He argues his case for why your life is meaningful after he reviews that we as a society have lost some of what makes our lives meaningful. If you are a Christian, you will most likely believe his main arguments. He has written a prior book on apologetics and you can see that type of support in this book. You may be interested in this book if you haven’t been fully exposed to the concepts around seeing your meaning and significance through God or if you are on a quest for meaning and have not found it yet. This book may also be for young people who are feeling disillusioned and want some assurance of their worth. In any case, you probably won’t agree with everything he says; at least I didn’t.
I feel the second half of the book became more interesting. Sherrard added a few more real-life illustrations to amplify his concepts. But the second half also showed where he added too many topics to the “why you matter” discussion. He briefly touches on topics such as the meaning of work, joy, identity, humility, desires, loving your enemies, hardship, hope, apathy, pride, ingratitude and living in the moment. Sherrard tried to cover too many topics that don’t appear tied to the overarching points of the book so you can clearly understand his messages. Maybe my prior knowledge of these topics also contributed to not seeing a lot of freshness and depth in their discussion.
His message came through the best when he talked about Ecclesiastes and related some of that book to what matters and what doesn’t matter. I scanned the Notes section of Sherrard’s book and found some interesting tidbits. Maybe the author was more relaxed in his writing at this point because I felt he was talking to the reader in a natural way there. If there was half stars ratings, I would give this book 3.5 stars. He makes a good case in supporting the reasons for why a person’s life matters. But I didn’t find most of his thinking on the main topics very fresh and interesting; many sub-topics also did not flow well into a coherent whole. Thanks to NetGalley and Baker Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
The book was written in 2020 during COVID-19 --- at least one place he assumed you would read this while the pandemic is still going on. He argues his case for why your life is meaningful after he reviews that we as a society have lost some of what makes our lives meaningful. If you are a Christian, you will most likely believe his main arguments. He has written a prior book on apologetics and you can see that type of support in this book. You may be interested in this book if you haven’t been fully exposed to the concepts around seeing your meaning and significance through God or if you are on a quest for meaning and have not found it yet. This book may also be for young people who are feeling disillusioned and want some assurance of their worth. In any case, you probably won’t agree with everything he says; at least I didn’t.
I feel the second half of the book became more interesting. Sherrard added a few more real-life illustrations to amplify his concepts. But the second half also showed where he added too many topics to the “why you matter” discussion. He briefly touches on topics such as the meaning of work, joy, identity, humility, desires, loving your enemies, hardship, hope, apathy, pride, ingratitude and living in the moment. Sherrard tried to cover too many topics that don’t appear tied to the overarching points of the book so you can clearly understand his messages. Maybe my prior knowledge of these topics also contributed to not seeing a lot of freshness and depth in their discussion.
His message came through the best when he talked about Ecclesiastes and related some of that book to what matters and what doesn’t matter. I scanned the Notes section of Sherrard’s book and found some interesting tidbits. Maybe the author was more relaxed in his writing at this point because I felt he was talking to the reader in a natural way there. If there was half stars ratings, I would give this book 3.5 stars. He makes a good case in supporting the reasons for why a person’s life matters. But I didn’t find most of his thinking on the main topics very fresh and interesting; many sub-topics also did not flow well into a coherent whole. Thanks to NetGalley and Baker Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
March 8, 2021
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
Sherrard takes on a big topic-Why I Matter and Why Am I Here in this book. I felt like I was back in my undergrad Philosophy 101 class or sitting around with drunken friends discussing life's meaning. Sherrard takes the Christian view and argues that taking the cultural view would really make life meaningless. I agree with Sharrard on almost everything set out in the book. He just gets there indirectly and is less than stellar in his positions once they are set out.
The book isn't well organized. It jumps around and doesn't set out why it is going off in the direction chosen. I liked his Love Your Enemies chapter and agreed with him on the three hot topics our society has thrown out today-race, sexuality, and abortion. At least I think I do. Sherrard is very weak in his arguments on two of the issues. I wasn't sure where he was on the topics until the end and even then I wasn't sure. He certainly won't offend the Otherside on those issues because they won't see where he stands. Maybe that is his point. I think God wants you to take a stand on those issues though and the stand taken was weak.
He also sets out how he could tell us more but won't do so today. Best done over a cup of coffee or in the next book. Don't bring it up if you aren't going to cover it.
A deep thinking book which a tough topic. Quick read too.
Sherrard takes on a big topic-Why I Matter and Why Am I Here in this book. I felt like I was back in my undergrad Philosophy 101 class or sitting around with drunken friends discussing life's meaning. Sherrard takes the Christian view and argues that taking the cultural view would really make life meaningless. I agree with Sharrard on almost everything set out in the book. He just gets there indirectly and is less than stellar in his positions once they are set out.
The book isn't well organized. It jumps around and doesn't set out why it is going off in the direction chosen. I liked his Love Your Enemies chapter and agreed with him on the three hot topics our society has thrown out today-race, sexuality, and abortion. At least I think I do. Sherrard is very weak in his arguments on two of the issues. I wasn't sure where he was on the topics until the end and even then I wasn't sure. He certainly won't offend the Otherside on those issues because they won't see where he stands. Maybe that is his point. I think God wants you to take a stand on those issues though and the stand taken was weak.
He also sets out how he could tell us more but won't do so today. Best done over a cup of coffee or in the next book. Don't bring it up if you aren't going to cover it.
A deep thinking book which a tough topic. Quick read too.
March 31, 2026
1) Important topic. Sherrard's handling of it is vague and nebulous. His writing struck me as lacking much strength behind it. Nothing forcefully lands. It feels like watching a sheet of paper fall slowly off a counter to the floor where it hits without making a sound. I feel like there are other authors who have wielded their pens with more skill and persuasion who address this topic satisfactorily.
2) I disagree with Sherrard's classification of suicidal thoughts as a "mental illness" (pg176). Along with his implicit endorsement of "professional help" and reference to "psychological disorders" both of which I interpret as a token nod to an integrationist model of counseling. I think this model is open to challenge and I wish Sherrard had attempted at least a defense of it instead of just a blind endorsement.
3) Sherrard's discussion on how to interpret the image of would be helped by consulting Michael Beates and George Hammond and their works on the image of God being reflected through disabled human beings.
4) Defends a libertarian view of free will (pg180, 183) which has many flaws.
2) I disagree with Sherrard's classification of suicidal thoughts as a "mental illness" (pg176). Along with his implicit endorsement of "professional help" and reference to "psychological disorders" both of which I interpret as a token nod to an integrationist model of counseling. I think this model is open to challenge and I wish Sherrard had attempted at least a defense of it instead of just a blind endorsement.
3) Sherrard's discussion on how to interpret the image of would be helped by consulting Michael Beates and George Hammond and their works on the image of God being reflected through disabled human beings.
4) Defends a libertarian view of free will (pg180, 183) which has many flaws.
March 2, 2021
This is a must read book for anyone struggling with their self worth or identity. This book will help you uncover the belief of why you matter, why everyone else matters, and how no one or anything can take it away from you. Parts of this book might sting a little bit depending on where you are in your life, but author Michael Sherrard handles it with truth and grace. You will also learn about common trains of thought and how they are often inconsistent and dangerous. This would be a phenomenal book to go over by yourself or in a small group with scripture, questions, and videos on the books website for a deeper dive. I highly recommend this book to friends and family members.
I was provided with an advance copy of the book for review purposes, all opinions are my own.
I was provided with an advance copy of the book for review purposes, all opinions are my own.
March 4, 2021
Why You Matter could not have been more timely! The “new normal” that came in 2020 included a lot of pain and suffering, and caused many of us to struggle with why we are here, what gives life purpose, and whether we matter. Pastor Michael Sherrard has written a book that does a fantastic job of working through these questions and finding the answers in spiritually hopeful and healing ways.
This book does not rely on easy, *churchy* answers, but digs deep and provides deeply satisfying help. It is a quick read, but not in any way simplistic, nor does it revert to easy answers or clichés. The dialogue is abundantly relevant, incredibly thoughtful, and intelligent. This book will help you build a strong, truth-based foundation of understanding about who you are, what your place in this world is, and most importantly, WHY YOU MATTER.
This book does not rely on easy, *churchy* answers, but digs deep and provides deeply satisfying help. It is a quick read, but not in any way simplistic, nor does it revert to easy answers or clichés. The dialogue is abundantly relevant, incredibly thoughtful, and intelligent. This book will help you build a strong, truth-based foundation of understanding about who you are, what your place in this world is, and most importantly, WHY YOU MATTER.
March 2, 2021
Everyone wants to know why they matter. As children we are raised up being told we are wonderful or awesome. Some of us are told we are nothing or worthless. We spend our lives trying to gain favor to be better excel to greatness. What if why me mattered did not depend on what we did or what we accomplished. Michael Sherrard in his book why you matter breaks down this very question. Do we matter because of our thoughts or emotions? Do we matter because of our status or job? If you have had this question like many of us or someone you know has do yourself a favor buy this book. #whyyoumatter
May 15, 2021
This book is Gospel focused and does a great job of covering many topics of life and why not just you matter but every person matters. He takes you through some of his own struggles and shares from his heart. This book is much needed in our time. He really helps you open up your own heart and think about why your life is valuable no matter what you have or currently going through. Thank you Micheal for writing this.
March 2, 2021
This book will challenge you to think about what you believe, specifically in how we treat other people. Do we really believe everyone matters? Do we believe that because God created us all, or do we really act in a way that shows all people matter to us? Let Michael help you work through all of these questions and more!
May 14, 2024
"Why You Matter" by Michael Sharrard is an excellent book about finding our identity in the one who made us rather than the things of this world. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for the source of meaning and purpose that has been there all along.
October 23, 2022
Thought provoking and very encouraging. Great end notes that refer to resources for going deeper.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews