The Common Rule

Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

By: Justin Whitmel Earley

Narrated by: William Sarris

Habits form us more than we form them. The modern world is a machine of 1,000 invisible habits, forming us into anxious, busy, and depressed people. We yearn for the freedom and peace of the gospel but remain addicted to our technology, shackled by our screens, and exhausted by our routines. But because our habits are the water we swim in, they are almost invisible to us. What can we do about it?

The answer to our contemporary chaos is to practice a rule of life that aligns our habits to our beliefs. The Common Rule offers four daily and four weekly habits, designed to help us create new routines and transform frazzled days into lives of love for God and neighbor. Justin Earley provides concrete, doable practices, such as a daily hour of phoneless presence or a weekly conversation with a friend. These habits are “common” not only because they are ordinary, but also because they can be practiced in community. They have been lived out by people across all walks of life - businesspeople, professionals, parents, students, retirees - who have discovered new hope and purpose.

As you embark on these life-giving practices, you will find the freedom and rest for your soul that comes from aligning belief in Jesus with the practices of Jesus.

©2019 eChristian (P)2019 eChristian

Challenging Lenten Discipline

I struggle every year with what to give up for Lent. My ultimate goal is to come out of the Lenten season, changed and ready to experiences the resurrection of Easter with power rsnewed. Adopting a new habit of discipline as outlined here, gives me a great roadmap to my destination.

Inspires real change

An excellent book about habits yet rooted in knowing you are loved by God, no matter what your habits look like. So good. I started incorporating the common rule into my life before I even finished the book! Great narration as well. Thankful for this book!

A good read, even better to put into practice

I thoughts the habits were a great. I think book is definitely best when read with a group. I found some of his perspectives to be a little limited in the sense that he mostly uses personal examples to drive his points home.

Love the book! Narrator... eh.

The habits discussed here are great! Love his ideas, including the practical “how to implement for your situation” sections in each chapter. The narrator is somewhat monotonous in the rise and fall of his voice, thus the 4-star review.

Powerful Information!!! More Powerful When Applied

I loved this book, and I'm recommending it to all of my friends! Although the information may be hard to swallow, Justin does an incredible job of articulating truths that this world seriously needs to hear. Please give this book a try!!

Game changer, Life alter altering

I have now read this book 5 times over. Great!! Just want I need!! BC

Loved this!!!

So simple, yet so powerful! In such a short time the rules have already helped me to bring some order and peace into my life.

another pastor recommended

Fantastic book and I love reading it. My pastor recommended it and it was worth a buy

Excellent Read

Going to be something I listen to again and again. Get this book and keep it handy.

Love it

I read this book after I read the author’s other book “habits of the household”. Loved both of them. If you debating which one would be better to read, I think I would start with this one since it applies more to our busy lives being single or with a family .He gives some honest and beautiful truth that are easy to apply to life. Really enjoyed this book