The Common Rule

Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

By: Justin Whitmel Earley

Narrated by: William Sarris

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

Well worth the time!

Great perspectives to consume, well done! Have certainly garnered a new perspective and will strive to incorporate these habits into my life. I plan to have my whole family read or listen.

Readable, potentially life changing

Trying to keep it short so I can put my phone away. :) Giving a copy of this book to my college age son and anyone else who will read it. Thank you, Mr. Earley, well done!

another pastor recommended

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

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.

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.

Favorite book on Sabbath

I’ve read many books on this topic, and this is probably my favorite. It covers not just how to Sabbath well, but covers the rest of the week! I have not read anything on this that is so practical and simplified. An amazing first step into healthy spirituality and emotional health.

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!!

Excellent Read

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

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.

4.5 stars

Relatable, humble, and insightful modern take on spiritual disciplines in a modern, digital age. would recommend

Honest , practical biblical application

Loved it!
Great listen for 4 to 5 hour car journey. The narrator reads beautifully! Would highly recommend. One rule which I will take forward is '1 hour without phone '.