In "42 Seconds," Carl Medearis hopes to encourage Christians to actively use the countless moments in our daily encounters to the fullest potential possible. Based on his observation that Jesus’ conversations as recorded in the gospels average around forty-two seconds, the author argues that we can also take advantage of short exchanges with unbelievers to introduce Jesus to them. The book is comprised of succinct takeaways that Medearis shares from his own experience over the years in his personal life and ministry work. For example, in one chapter, the author encourages readers to step out from their comfort zone and do something bold. To illustrate this, the author describes how he planned to give out a Bible to each member of parliament in a foreign country hostile to the gospel. Even though Medearis ended up being deported, the author surmises that perhaps seeds of the gospel may have been sown due to his actions. Many other less audacious examples of actionable, simple encounters are highlighted throughout the book to help readers become aware of such opportunities to display the good news of the gospel and the glory of Jesus Christ. One major drawback of the book is that the author strays from the main premise in illustrating how to use brief encounters to show Jesus. It seems that the premise itself is somewhat flawed as many Jesus’ conversations were most likely much longer than the forty-two seconds calculated. Indeed, the author’s argument that short encounters can make a significant difference in one’s life is undeniable. However, we also cannot forget that fruitful relationship building takes hours, days, and years to develop. This weakness in the premise can be sensed in the latter parts of the book as the suggestions evolve to becoming rather general advice for being a good Christian witness including matching our actions to what we say and being willing to stand up for what is right when no one else will.

I would recommend this book as a handy guide to ease the awkwardness that many of us feel when trying to talk about Jesus. Although the author’s observations are not uniquely different from what others have written on this topic, Medearis is able to provide a considerable collection of helpful advice especially for introverts. It is easy for us to dismiss ourselves as being ineloquent in our speech, but God does not ask for Christians to be polished public speakers before spreading His gospel. What God does require of us is that we faithfully bear witness to His truth as revealed in His Word in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Medearis reminds readers that a seemingly insignificant conversation with a cashier in a run-down restaurant on a lonely highway could have eternal significance. Moreover, the Bible commands us to always be ready to give the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). May we no longer hesitate to use every moment of connection we have with others to bring glory to God.

In compliance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines, I received a review copy from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a book review.

Blog: https://contemplativereflections.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/book-review-42-seconds/

When we read Jesus’s conversations in the New Testament, we discover how short many were. According to Carl Medearis, Jesus’s recorded conversations averaged only 42 seconds each. (Of course he also had longer conversations; this is just the average of the ones written down.) 42 seconds sounds like a reachable goal for all of us.

In this book, Medearis goes through ordinary moments in our lives and shows us how to have more meaningful conversations like Jesus did. Without seeming awkward. Without being forced. I appreciate this book for its simplicity and yet also for its depth.

It might seem simple to be reminded to look up and say hi to people we meet, but how many times do we resist making eye contact or forget to give a greeting? And how often do we miss the connections of these simple things with what Jesus did?

The book is divided into four sections.

* Be Kind
* Be Present
* Be Brave
* Be Jesus

Each of these sections is broken down into short chapters beginning with a simple instruction of how we stop conversations and a better way to start a conversation instead. Medearis has an easy way to capture our attention and gently prod us into doing better. I appreciate such reminders.

After several chapters, each section then ends with “Dig Deeper & Discuss” questions. These questions encourage us to live out the suggestions from the chapters as well as give us more scripture passages to read.

I highly recommend this book as an effective way to have more meaningful conversations in our everyday lives.

Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:

“For most of us, it takes courage just to walk across the street and invite our neighbors over for a barbecue. Forget the Navy SEALs or the stuff we see in the movies —we just need to greet Sam and Beth at the mailbox.”

“Go one question deeper by asking, ‘What was that like for you?’”

“By the way, I don’t think these conversations need to ‘lead somewhere’ —like we’re trying to get them to believe in something or to change somehow. I just mean that our exchange leads to better understanding of one another and a more substantive relationship.”

“If you want to be intentionally present with people, try asking two questions: Where have you come from, and where are you going?”

My thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of this book.