Jesus Over Everything

What's "Jesus Over Everything" about?

• Simplifying Life with Jesus: "Jesus Over Everything" by Lisa Whittle is about simplifying the complexities of life by prioritizing Jesus above all else. It offers practical guidance on how to make Jesus the central focus of daily living.
• Eight Key Choices: The book outlines eight specific choices that help readers put Jesus first, such as choosing real over pretty, love over judgment, and holiness over freedom.
• Personal Stories and Insights: Lisa Whittle shares personal stories and insights to illustrate how these choices can transform lives and lead to a more fulfilling, less complicated existence.
• Spiritual Growth: The book emphasizes spiritual growth and maturity, encouraging readers to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus through intentional daily decisions.

Why should I read "Jesus Over Everything"?

• Practical Guidance: The book provides practical steps for prioritizing Jesus in everyday life, making it a useful guide for anyone seeking to deepen their faith.
• Relatable Stories: Lisa Whittle shares relatable personal experiences that resonate with readers, offering encouragement and inspiration.
• Spiritual Clarity: It helps clarify what it means to live a life centered on Jesus, cutting through the noise of modern distractions.
• Transformative Impact: Readers can expect a transformative impact on their spiritual journey, leading to a more peaceful and purpose-driven life.

What are the key takeaways of "Jesus Over Everything"?

• Prioritizing Jesus: The central message is to prioritize Jesus above all else, which simplifies life and brings peace.
• Eight Choices: The book outlines eight choices that support a Jesus-first lifestyle, such as honesty over hiding and wisdom over knowledge.
• Daily Application: It emphasizes the importance of daily application of these choices to experience true spiritual growth and fulfillment.
• God's Sovereignty: Recognizing God's sovereignty and trusting Him with life's complexities is crucial for living a Jesus-over-everything life.

How does Lisa Whittle suggest we put Jesus first in our lives?

• Daily Choices: Lisa Whittle suggests making daily choices that reflect Jesus' teachings, such as choosing love over judgment and service over spotlight.
• Spiritual Practices: Engaging in spiritual practices like prayer, Bible study, and community involvement helps keep Jesus at the center.
• Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection and honesty about one's priorities and actions are essential for aligning with a Jesus-first mindset.
• Trust in God: Trusting in God's plan and relinquishing control over life's outcomes is a key aspect of putting Jesus first.

What are the eight choices outlined in "Jesus Over Everything"?

• Real over Pretty: Emphasizes authenticity and being true to oneself rather than conforming to societal standards of beauty.
• Love over Judgment: Encourages choosing love and understanding over quick judgments and criticism.
• Holiness over Freedom: Advocates for choosing spiritual purity and devotion over personal freedoms that may lead away from God.
• Service over Spotlight: Highlights the importance of serving others selflessly rather than seeking personal recognition.
• Steady over Hype: Promotes a consistent and grounded faith over being swayed by trends and superficial excitement.
• Honesty over Hiding: Stresses the value of living truthfully and transparently rather than hiding behind facades.
• Wisdom over Knowledge: Prioritizes godly wisdom and discernment over mere accumulation of information.
• Commitment over Mood: Encourages steadfast commitment to Jesus regardless of changing emotions or circumstances.

How does "Jesus Over Everything" address the concept of holiness?

• Holiness Defined: Holiness is described as sacrificial devotion and consecration to God, prioritizing spiritual purity over personal freedoms.
• Daily Choices: The book emphasizes making daily choices that align with God's will, even when personal freedoms allow otherwise.
• Spiritual Growth: Holiness is seen as essential for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
• God's Command: The book reiterates that holiness is a command from God, not just a suggestion, and is vital for a fulfilling Christian life.

What role does honesty play in "Jesus Over Everything"?

• Living Truthfully: Honesty is crucial for living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings, as it fosters authenticity and transparency.
• Breaking Free from Hiding: The book encourages breaking free from the habit of hiding behind facades and embracing truth.
• Healing and Freedom: Honesty leads to healing and freedom, allowing individuals to live without the burden of secrets and lies.
• Spiritual Integrity: Maintaining spiritual integrity through honesty is essential for a Jesus-over-everything lifestyle.

How does Lisa Whittle view the relationship between wisdom and knowledge?

• Wisdom Over Knowledge: The book emphasizes the importance of wisdom, which is God-given, over mere knowledge, which can be acquired through study.
• Application of Knowledge: Wisdom involves the application of knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will and leads to spiritual growth.
• God's Guidance: Seeking God's guidance and wisdom is crucial for making decisions that honor Him.
• Spiritual Discernment: Wisdom provides the spiritual discernment needed to navigate life's complexities and challenges.

What are some of the best quotes from "Jesus Over Everything" and what do they mean?

• "Jesus drew people in because He was real, and that is the real attractiveness." This quote highlights the importance of authenticity in drawing others to Jesus.
• "Holiness isn’t about rules; it is about spiritual relinquishment." It emphasizes that holiness is about surrendering to God's will rather than following a set of rules.
• "Service may benefit another person’s life, but, first and foremost, God uses service to deeply change and benefit the servant." This quote underscores the transformative power of serving others.
• "The true success of a person is not in whether she can make her life work; it’s in whether she can die to her life enough for Jesus to work in her." It reflects the book's core message of prioritizing Jesus over personal ambitions.

How does "Jesus Over Everything" suggest dealing with judgment?

• Choosing Love: The book advocates for choosing love over judgment, understanding that judgment often stems from fear and ignorance.
• Safe Spaces: Creating safe spaces for others by making them feel loved and accepted is crucial for a Jesus-first lifestyle.
• Self-Reflection: Encourages self-reflection to recognize and overcome judgmental tendencies within oneself.
• Following Jesus' Example: Emphasizes following Jesus' example of love and acceptance, even towards those who are different or challenging.

What is the significance of the "Jesus Over Everything Manifesto"?

• Guiding Principles: The manifesto serves as a set of guiding principles for living a Jesus-over-everything life, focusing on the eight key choices.
• Daily Reminders: It acts as a daily reminder of the priorities and values that align with a Jesus-first mindset.
• Practical Application: Provides practical application of the book's teachings, helping readers implement the concepts in their daily lives.
• Spiritual Focus: Reinforces the spiritual focus of the book, encouraging readers to continually choose Jesus in all aspects of life.

How can "Jesus Over Everything" help simplify my life?

• Prioritizing Jesus: By prioritizing Jesus, the book helps simplify life by reducing the noise and distractions that complicate daily living.
• Clear Choices: The eight choices outlined in the book provide clear guidance for making decisions that align with a Jesus-first lifestyle.
• Spiritual Peace: Emphasizing spiritual peace and fulfillment, the book encourages readers to let go of unnecessary burdens and focus on what truly matters.
• Practical Steps: Offers practical steps and insights for integrating these choices into everyday life, leading to a more peaceful and purpose-driven existence.