Living Above the Level of Mediocrity

by Charles R. Swindoll

Now with a study guide for personal use or group discussion. In this book on excellence Chuck Swindoll?"America's foremost applicator of Scripture to daily life"?boldly tackles the difficult problems of self-discipline, laziness, and our tendency to accept less of life than we deserve. "Perhaps his best book . . . both a challenge to easy living and a blueprint for breaking out of patterns of mediocrity. . . . One of the most helpful aspects of this book is Swindoll's ability to distinguish between striving for excellence and the modern-day philosophies of success." ? Today's Christian Woman " Living Above the Level of Mediocrity epitomizes what has lifted the author above the average. The book itself aims high and reaches its goal through keen thinking and hard work." ? Moody Monthly "Swindoll combines interesting, insightful Bible exposition with the storyteller's ability to make an anecdote live. Throughout the book he weaves briefs about the eagle, a bird he holds up as an example of the pursuit of excellence. He writes devotionally, giving you constant food for thought." ? Eternity

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Leadership, Faith

Paperback

First published November 30, 1986

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I read a better book describing the truths to living a victorious life for Christ and for self. As the word says, "You are the salt of the earth, if the salt losses its saltiness it is only good for trampling on." Charles Swindoll brings to life several examples of this victorious and crashing lifestyle to live as an Eagle and Soar above the life of the mediocrity of the world. I especially enjoyed the insight to the story of "Samson" and his angelic prophecy to Soar and how his choices/thoughts brought him to captivity and sorrow; even so he was still used by God. I found the book insightful and refreshing to truths.

[Bro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got off to a slow start for some reason with this book. It was good, but I am not much at reading sermons transcribed into books for some reason. I am not sure that this is what that was or not; maybe it was my sinful nature. I started skipping around and reading what I liked then wound up going back and reading it all. It really started sinking in how much I needed it all. I highly recommend this book after living in the world where there is so much pressure to be status quo. I want to be an Eagle that can soar even if you have to do it alone for God not just a Turkey always on the ground pecking around with others and complaining about those soaring overhead.

[Thomas Arn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Swindoll does a great job with this book. Throughout the book he uses an eagle for an illustration. Most people like to live their lives at a level of mediocrity--the same as everyone else. They like to see others excel and wish they could also, but do not do it for various reasons. The author looks at things from a biblical perspective on why people do not excel in life. He also gives many biblical reasons to excel and soar like an eagle above everyone else. It will challenge you in how you live your life for God or for yourself.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read,filled with a great deal of real life examples and numerous references to the bible. Swindol uses an eagle as an iconic figure to illustrate how to live above the level of mediocrity.To live above the level of mediocrity and soar like an Eagle means Living differently,having a vision(seeing beyond the majority) Determination(deciding to Hang tough),Priorities(determining what comes first) and finally Accountability (Answering the Hard questions) He goes ahead to give his views on how to combat and resist mediocrity.This is a good christian personal development book.

[Johnny Galt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent book integrating Christian ideology and scripture into living a fulfilled and positively motivated life. I kind of wish his analogies were more developed. He had some great ideas and I wanted him to go further but in each chapter he stopped right when I was getting into it. My guess is because they are not substantial? It kind of seemed that way...

[Dean Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swindoll does a superb job of differentiating between striving for excellence within the context of Christian values and other philosophies of success we hear about.

Using Biblical stories, Swindoll draws on the strength of his gift for storytelling to compel the reader.

This book encouraged me in my faith.

[Steven Mandeville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great thoughts with lots of solid nuggets - folks spoke differently in the 80's and that made it a little trickier to get through.

[Karie Sortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book for second time and enjoying it throughly! He writes like he talks, understandable and clear and challenging. I first read this book in Jan 1996.

[Rob Clarkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this is one of Chuck's best works. A very cohesive handling of the matter of personal excellence, how to continue to hone one's gifts, and a Biblical tapestry of encouragement which pervades the whole book. I read this twice through around seven years ago as I was considering some pivotal concerns in my own ministry; and in retrospect, I am pleased to say Chuck helped codify a handful of important principles so that my work would remain true to the Two Greatest Commandments.

I think I'm due to dig into my library and give this book another round of my concentration!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally good book by Charles Swindoll. I particularly like the way he used the example of the life of an eagle as an example of a life lived above the level of mediocrity. This book, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, challenges the human tendency to become lazy, complacent, and settling for less than life's best.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book in 1992 and it was so thick with depth it took me months to digest even a page. Now the first chapter uses OJ Simpson as a person who lives about the level of Mediocrity (atleast my copy does). That can throw you off at little but once your past that is gets real good.

[Perry Malphrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Swindoll's writings. He is so creative,clear, yet simple. His style is laid back but he presents the principles and truths of God's word - The Bible,
in a clear and convincing/convicting fashion. He knows how to challenge a person to greater heights.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated: C

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this along time ago and recalled it was good. Putting on my physical reead shelf... until I finish the others...

[Kamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is challenging me to stop only putting half of me into everything that I do and it challenges me as a christian.

[Hughb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book , should be read every twelve months!!!!
Go on do it !!!!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, Swindoll is a great communicator, but not the greatest exegete of Scripture. That said, it is a Book worth reading. It is a good read, an easy read.

[Deke]

158.1

[Len Winneroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing book....

[Chapel Heights]

3 copies

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love almost everything by Chuck Swindoll

[Robert Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are Christian or not, just a great read in simple language giving great advice about life.

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put this book down during chapter one. Swindoll chose to open the book by referring positively to a certain national hero (at the time, 1986) who has since fallen from grace. But I determined to carry on. Unfortunately, he uses another 'living hero' in a later chapter who has since been shown to be a sexual predator. With those two miscues aside, the rest of the book is a goldmine of choice nuggets that I will refer back to again in my studies. It is still a solid four star book in my opinion.

[Dan Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very sub surface. It is more prqiixla daily living then.aprituel.triths. he touched on the gospel but did not go gat enough. He did so well at exigeting biblical text. A lot of us whyhe said is good. The example of the wiggle qent q bottom far. He talked about fulfilling God given dreams that isnot.found in scripture. It as fluffy at times. It did have God things to say. It is worth reading..

[Isabella Lentini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un grannn libro motivacional, no es largo pero la forma en la que está escrito no se me hizo tan fácil de leer. Como Generacion Z, para mi le faltó dinamismo; de todas formas eso no importa cuando tienes gran Palabra y revelación de Dios. Realmente este libro ha dejado unas cuantas frases bien impregnadas en mi vida!! No lo volvería a leer, pero no me arrepiento de haberlo hecho!

[Becca]

DNF at page 54. This was recommended to me several years ago, and at this point I just don’t feel like it is necessary for me to read it. It also didn’t age well… two positive examples used so far were OJ Simpson and Robert E. Lee. 😬

[Jl Afable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Chuck's started this book by changing our minds. Because it influences our actions.

[Andre Filho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swindoll is a old style preacher and you can see that from the first page to the last. Even though at many moments it sounded cliché, it reached his goal with mastery and I liked :)

[Donnie]

Enjoyed the book. Gave me a couple of ideas to think about.

[Celz Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring.