"The Root of the Righteous remains one of my favorite books by A.W. Tozer. (I've reviewed 22 Tozer books to give you some perspective.)
Why do I keep reading Tozer? Why would I recommend him to others? Because I find that even though these sermons were preached decades ago, his messages remain relevant. He has a fiery way of speaking—or writing. He's zealous for the Lord and for the things of the Lord. He's not timid in issuing challenges to believers. His love for God is evident in every book of his that I've ever read. And that love for God is matched for his love of the truth as revealed in the Word of God. There is nothing casual about how Tozer treats the Bible or the God that Bible reveals. His books urge readers—believers—to take God seriously, to pick up the Word of God for themselves, to trust and obey. Tozer reminds his readers that how they live matters, and they need to be growing in knowledge and holiness.
I would describe Tozer as a devotional theologian. That is, his writings may read like a devotional, but, they have great depth and substance.
What does a Christian life look like? How should we live as Christians in this world? How should we spend our time? What should matter to us? The Root of the Righteous addresses how believers should live their lives. Many, many subjects are covered within these 46 chapters.
Tozer challenges believers in their complacency, in their laziness. Seek God, seek more of Him always, grow in your faith, don't be satisfied to remain where you are, never settle! Take God seriously! Live your creed—as if you actually believe what you say you do.
Favorite quotes:
"We please Him most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms with all our imperfections, and believing that He understands everything and loves us still."
"In every Christian's heart there is a cross and a throne, and the Christian is on the throne till he puts himself on the cross; if he refuses the cross he remains on the throne. Perhaps this is at the bottom of the backsliding and worldliness among gospel believers today. We want to be saved but we insist that Christ do all the dying. No cross for us, no dethronement, no dying."
Reviewed by Becky Laney, Net Galley, Jun 26, 2015
