Brown, Steve. Talk the Walk: How to Be Right Without Being Insufferable. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2019. 160 pages.
I’ve noticed a problem among Christians and in churches. It has caused me to examine and evaluate my own heart too. As we find ourselves in a culture that does not believe in absolute truth, we see our role to be bearers of the truth. We have a message of truth we are called to share. The problem, though, is not in the content of the message we share. The issue I’ve witnessed is in the way we share it. This is what Steve Brown gets at in his book Talk the Walk: How to Be Right Without Being Insufferable.
Over the course of 13 chapters, Mr. Browns writes about the value of truth while also highlighting the importance of a humble attitude. The danger for Christians is the danger of being right. This is the case because one can be right but go the wrong way about it. They can hold to the right beliefs but can express it in careless ways and an arrogant manner. That’s why this book points to the Christian’s attitude. Each chapter opens with a Bible verse to set the tone for the content that follows. The author reminds the reader (and himself) that truth is shared with those who have been through life and are personal beings. He also takes time to speak to the place of silence in being truthful with a humble attitude. All in all, from the first chapter to the last, the thrust of the book is to how to be truth-tellers in a winsome way.
Only Suggestions
As bearers of truth, however, people will not always agree with us. Even within Christian circles, some do not see eye-to-eye. The case is true for this book as well. In a couple of places, Steve Brown makes suggestions to the reader that should be seen as just that. For instance, in chapter 3 he counsels to remain silent about sharing your faith unless given permission (see Brown 25-26). While one can understand his point, this general guidance should be taken as a suggestion based upon the context of the person’s relationship or conversation. A more perplexing suggestion comes in chapter 11 where he uses a phrase that is meant to translate what we culturally deem a cuss word. He then uses it throughout the chapter too. While he does use it to illustrate his point, I personally did not see it as necessary to the chapter and it may end up being a hindrance rather than a help in making his point.
Speak Truth with a Humble Heart
These critiques do not keep Talk the Walk from being a commendable resource. Steve Brown’s humble approach in this book, that he did not write it to correct others but to remind himself (Brown 3), offers an example to the character of the book. This resource reminds Christians what they say must be backed up with how they say it. If you are a Christian who wants to help others and remind yourself how to speak truth with a humble heart, then consider reading Talk the Walk: How to Be Right Without Being Insufferable by Steve Brown.
I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.
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