The Fitting Room (a review)

I've just finished reading "The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ" by Kelly Minter and found it to be a refreshing look at the "virtues" of the Christian life. Drawing her list from Colossians 3:12, Minter examines not just the thought-to-be-holy aspects of peace, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, patience and joy, but also looks at the day to day evidence of a life that is expressing these virtues. Her approach is practical, often humorous and really gives a taste of how these virtues will look as day wear, and not just as characteristics of Christ to be reserved for Sunday use.

Minter promises (and keeps her promise) not to flog the makeover analogy to death but really hits the fact that these are not outer transformation when she says, "I've realized ... There is simply no way to detach my heart from my actions, especially when it comes to the characteristics of Jesus." She is frank about some of her own heart failings and provides discussion questions to try to encourage a thoughtful examination of our own motives or challenges in living a Christ-centered life which will produce these characteristics as an outgrowth of the inner reality.

"The Fitting Room" is not a heavy read but will leave you with a sense of purpose and a better understanding of a life made over to the Master Designer.

Review copies provided by The B&B Media Group.