The Living Above the Level of Mediocrity

By Charles R. Swindoll

Book Overview

Now with a study guide for personal use or group discussion.

In this book on excellence Chuck Swindoll?"America's foremost applicator of Scripture to daily life"?boldly tackles the difficult problems of self-discipline, laziness, and our tendency to accept less of life than we deserve.

"Perhaps his best book . . . both a challenge to easy living and a blueprint for breaking out of patterns of mediocrity. . . . One of the most helpful aspects of this book is Swindoll's ability to distinguish between striving for excellence and the modern-day philosophies of success." ?Today's Christian Woman

"Living Above the Level of Mediocrity epitomizes what has lifted the author above the average. The book itself aims high and reaches its goal through keen thinking and hard work." ?Moody Monthly

"Swindoll combines interesting, insightful Bible exposition with the storyteller's ability to make an anecdote live. Throughout the book he weaves briefs about the eagle, a bird he holds up as an example of the pursuit of excellence. He writes devotionally, giving you constant food for thought." ?Eternity

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0849931770
• ISBN13: 9780849931772
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Exceptional, strong Christian book and motivational guide

A gift from my grandmother, this book has been a regular source of strength to me in tough times, and it has encouraged me toward excellence. Among its greatest assets are its ability to inspire courage through adversity and to reinforce srong values, even when those values seem to make one unpopular. Including many relevant and inspiring stories from the Bible and from life in general, this book has a permananent place on my top bookshelf.

Go For Excellence!

Mediocrity equals boredom and frustration. Living above it is Christian, it is the abundant way of living Jesus taught. In this book based on the Scriptures, Chuck Swindoll shows you how to apply principles that result in living purposefully and joyfully.Like similar writers, he starts by explaining it all occurs in one's mind. When one's thoughts are right, proper actions follow. Being conscious of the invisible, eternal Kingdom of God is the awareness that changes one's perception from things seen to those unseen. He writes about resisting traditionalism, greed, and discouragement. His advice is practical and doable. This is a hands-on book designed to set you apart from those who are satisfied with the status quo. It is a challenge to rise above the fray to a higher level of existence, one based on God's Word.

Vintage Swindoll!

Living Above the Level of Mediocrity is yet another fantastic title by Charles Swindoll. The gist of this book is the need for us to live above the level of just doing enough to get by.Among the many principles Swindoll covers are:1. Encouragements for standing tall.2. Problems with the world's system.3. Be willing to minister to others out of the limelight.4. Soaring takes effort and requires eliminating negativity.5. Following Christ will cost us relationships, possessions, and personal goals/desires.6. Characteristics of people who positively impact others.7. Defining vision, determination, and dreaming.8. Observations about conformity to other people's standards.Read it and be encouraged to soar like an eagle!

Anything But Mediocre

This book always lifts me up mentally and gets me "back on track." I am in the midst of reading this for the third time and I detest reading anything more than once. I particularly enjoy Swindoll's analysis and explanation of Bible readings.

An inspiration and challenge to all Christians!

This book changed my life and sent me, literally, on a completely different course. God used this book to open my eyes to the selfishness in my walk with Him through the story of Mary anointing Jesus with a bottle of costly perfume. Chuck Swindoll has an amazing ability to connect with his readers through his use of illustrations and gracious manner of telling the sometimes hard truths of the Bible.