The Common Rule Youth Edition: Growing Your Faith in a Distracted World

by Justin Whitmel Earley, Jesse Florea (Contribution by)

Overview

In a world buzzing with screens and endless notifications, youth are navigating more noise than ever. The Common Rule Youth Edition provides clarity and purpose, tailored specifically for teens and tweens (grades 6-12). Adapted from Justin Whitmel Earley's bestselling book, The Common Rule Youth Edition empowers youth to break free from the stress and anxiety that modern life can impose.

The Common Rule Youth Edition equips young people with the tools to help them find peace and fulfillment through simple, intentional habits designed to foster freedom and rest. Earley draws on his own experiences to illustrate how small actions can lead to significant transformation.

• Prayers: Initiate a practice of humility and gratitude by setting aside time for intentional prayer each day.
• Daily Scripture Reading: Cultivate a habit of reading and reflecting on scriptures to nourish your spiritual journey.
• Digital Detoxes: Schedule regular breaks from screens and social media to encourage mindfulness and presence in real-world interactions.
• Weekly Community Time: Prioritize spending quality time with family or friends to build strong, supportive relationships.
• Sabbath Rest: Dedicate one day a week to rest and rejuvenation, free from work and electronic distractions.
• Physical Activity: Run, walk, or play at least four hours each week to experience a healthier body and a healthier mind.
• Shared Meals: Engage in communal meals that emphasize connection and conversation, strengthening bonds over food.

With expanded content and study guide questions, this book sparks individual reflection and group discussions, making it perfect for personal growth or community learning. The Common Rule Youth Edition offers a roadmap to a balanced and meaningful life. Get a copy for the youth in your life today!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514010433
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	06/03/2025
Edition description:	Adapted Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.45(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Justin Whitmel Earley is the creator of The Common Rule, a program of habits designed to form us in the love of God and neighbor. He is also a mergers and acquisitions lawyer in Richmond, Virginia. Justin and his wife, Lauren, have four sons.

Table of Contents

Part One: Discovering the Power of Habit
When Habits Go Wrong
What Is a Habit?
Jesus as the Good Master

Part Two: How to Practice the Common Rule
The Eight Habits of the Common Rule
Time to Practice the Common Rule

Part Three: Daily and Weekly Habits
Daily Habit 1: Kneeling Prayer at Morning, Midday, and Bedtime
Daily Habit 2: One Meal with Others
Daily Habit 3: One Hour with Phone Off
Daily Habit 4: Scripture Before Phone
Weekly Habit 1: One Hour of Conversation with a Friend
Weekly Habit 2: Four Hours of Physical Activity
Weekly Habit 3: Fast from Something for Twenty-Four Hours
Weekly Habit 4: Sabbath Rest

Conclusion: The Rule of Failure

The Common Rule for Youth Groups
Notes

Editorial Reviews

"Justin Whitmel Earley provides a practical pathway to engage with spiritual disciplines that both meets readers where they are and stretches them. Young people who say yes to his invitation will grow in health grounded in deep relationship with God and others."

Tanita Tualla Maddox

"So many unhelpful forces are shaping the hearts, minds, and lives of our young women and men. What a gift to have the wisdom of The Common Rule Youth Edition as a guide to help them cooperate with how God is longing to lead them into the vibrant life of his kingdom!"

Alan Fadling

"I agree wholeheartedly with Justin Earley's priority of living a God-drenched rule of life. It's truly like a healthy jasmine plant growing up on a trellis of good habits that form and shape us into the image of Christ. The earlier we learn this in life, the better off we will be. In your hands is a counterintuitive vision for today's youth who wish to emit a Christlike fragrance to the world around them."

Stephen A. Macchia

"As the saying goes, 'Habits eat willpower for breakfast.' In The Common Rule Youth Edition, Justin Whitmel Earley helps young readers by providing a practical and inspiring framework for navigating a noisy and distracting world. This resource will speak directly to the hearts of young people and give them fundamental tools for productive habit formation in life and faith."

Brook Mosser