Along similar lines, do we treat our spiritual health with similar fervor? Have we accepted the responsibility for our own individual spiritual health and growth, or do we merely wait on pastors and church leaders, as if it is their responsibility for our daily spiritual diet?

I am not leaving God out of the picture. In spiritual life as in daily life, we eat the food, but it is God's design that we absorb the nutrition to make us grow. Consequently, daily intake of the Word and the Bread of Life, prayer and fasting, and appropriate exercises of obedience to God's commands and callings, are crucial habits for our spiritual health and growth, and it is our personal responsibility to shape up. So let us explore various resources that are readily available to us.

Prescription #1: A 40 day diet

Rick Warren, the spiritual mentor behind an entire generation of contemporary church leaders, finally in his semi-retirement years, started to write exemplary books on what he has been teaching. First was The Purpose Driven Church, a brilliant book for reconsidering and redesigning every organizational aspect of what we consider church. Now, in a totally different manner, The Purpose Driven Life is the only book besides various versions of the Bible that I would unhesitatingly recommend to anyone (and I mean anyone - Christians and non-Christians alike).

With 40 chapters to enable a 40 day spiritual journey of serious and honest reflection, the book addresses all the major and practical aspects of our Christian faith, including one's yearning for a purposeful life that a non-Christian would have no problems with, journey toward one's personal faith in Christ, salvation and discipleship, worship and fellowship, service, and mission. As any book tends to reflect only that which we have experienced, the more you have contemplated and struggled with these deep issues, the more you will realize the deep wisdom hidden in the concise and powerful lines in every chapter.

No matter what, this book stands to clarify so many confusing and floating issues in the practice of everyday Christianity, and offers a clearer conviction in the direction and purpose of our walk with God. Although like most books this one addresses certain specific issues, this one aims at the most enveloping one of all - that of the total purpose of life. I wished this book to have published earlier. But I am just glad that I didn't read it too late. It has certainly affirmed to me my various roles and callings in life, and has changed several misconceptions and passive pessimistic attitudes (yes, they exist subtly even if you thought me an optimist.). If NHF were to read this book together, I would bet that you would have a transformed church within 2 months. And I am so sure that this book will transform your life that I have a standing challenge from my "active-lending library". If you are willing to adhere to the daily reading and finish it in 50 days (yes, you get a few extra days,) you have the option to keep the book (at no charge!). Chances are, you have a whole lot more to gain than just the price of the book.

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