Living a Transformational Life
by Melvin Davis
Davis outlines practical applications of Christian faith this nonfiction work.
The author writes in the book’s opening lines, “though I have always been part of the church I did not always embrace what it truly means to be a Christian.” Blending memoir with Christian commentary, Davis reflects on his experiences, including his college days at the Ohio State University, where he lived a “dual life” of attending church every Sunday morning and “doing whatever [he] wanted to do Monday through Saturday.” In this concise text, he offers 10 pragmatic principles to guide Christian readers on how to apply their faith to their daily lives. Topics include confronting and overcoming past mistakes, the formation of positive habits, and interpersonal relationships. While distinctly Evangelical Protestant in his theological approach, the author deemphasizes doctrinal discussions for an emphasis on Christian living. He argues that “God intentionally made access to salvation easy” but highlights the ways in which “living a Christian life requires hard work and commitment” (Davis’ message is simple to grasp but admittedly difficult to live out in practice). The narrative underscores the importance of building fellowship by actively participating in church, but Davis is also willing to chastise churches who feed the egos of pastors who are overly judgmental and fail to live up to their mission of providing a haven of “love, healing, support, encouragement, guidance, and empowerment.” Originating from a sermon that the author delivered at St. Andrews Baptist Church in Cleveland, the book offers an accessible methodology geared toward those unfamiliar with the theological nuances of the faith. Holding an advanced degree in theology, the author approaches Christianity from a sound scholarly position, and his background as a lawyer and career in the Navy Reserves affords him a perspective on the lay world often missed by pastors secluded in their church bubbles.
An earnest, nonjudgmental, and pragmatic guide for Christians to apply their faith to their daily lives.