I recently read boundtogether: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices by chris brauns. The author does a wonderful job of explaining how we are all affected by the choices of others. He uses “the principle of the rope” – “the simple truth that our lives, choices, and actions are linked to the lives, choices, and action of other people.” (page 5). He gives the illustration of a day in his son’s fourth grade class. One day some children misbehaved in class. Due to the fact they were “roped” to the rest of the class, the entire class loss recess. While not all the children had misbehaved, all the children bore the consequences. And so it is in life.

The author beautifully explains original sin & how it affected all mankind. Through Scripture, he shows how all have been & will be affected by the choices that were made by Adam & Eve. We are “roped” with them. But God did not leave us in that hopeless estate. Through the death & resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are now “roped” to Christ & receive forgiveness & freedom & hope & life. The first section of this book explains the principle & the gospel.

The second part of the book delves further into earthly relationships & their affects:

• hurtful family relationships
• alcoholism
• marriages
• children
• church community

The author solidly points us to this truth: “the rope of Christ & the gospel is exceedingly stronger than the rope of Adam & sin.” (page 129). The principle of the rope means that, yes, we are tied to others & their choices, be it good or bad. But the good news is that God will use the relationships we have with others in our lives. He uses those very relationships to transform us & change our lives. The author includes this powerful quote:

One last thing must be said, a kind of warning. If those who hold influence over others fail to lead toward the spiritual uplands, then surely the path to the lowlands will be well worn. People travel together; no one lives detached and alone.

(J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership)

This book will not disappoint you. It is easy to read yet contains powerful principles. May we learn that our actions & choices have lasting affects on ourselves & those we journey with.

*I was given this book by Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review & am so glad that I had this opportunity!

I linked with: The Modest Mom and Monday Musings and Playdates With God and The Better Mom and Inspire Me Mondays .