The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

Great book with lots of life lessons and tips.

I’ve been paying attention to the author’s work on habits since it was just a PDF he created and sent around to his friends. What has become The Common Rule has evolved from a personal attempt to live a saner life into a set of simple but powerful ideas that have helped me, personally, to live as I was designed to and to love God and love the people in my life better. Having those habits refined and presented in such a captivating and accessible way is a blessing, and one I’ve already shared with many others.Having previously learned and tried implementing most of the practices outlined in the book, I was particularly impressed by the appendices, which offer more detail about each of the habits. The section suggesting applications of the habits for different kinds of people (skeptics, families, artists, etc.) will be helpful even for those who don’t fit neatly into any of those categories, because they illuminate the intention behind each habit and will provide the spark for even more people to apply the habits in their unique situations.Earley has done a great service to any number of readers:- Those who have never encountered spiritual disciplines will get a glimpse of a different and better way to live.- Those who are familiar with spiritual disciplines will find an updated interpretation of Willard and Foster that addresses the worst temptations of the smartphone age.- Those who have lived without intention and unwittingly allowed their days, hours, and minutes to be shaped by advertisers and tech companies will get a much-needed wake up call.- Those who are already trying to lead lives of resistance and embrace will be strengthened and encouraged.A couple of quibbles:(1) Several of the habits are meant to be practiced in community, whether in a nuclear family, with roommates, or especially with close friends. The author sometimes seems to assume that everyone has those relationships already in their lives. Those who already struggle with loneliness may be disheartened and see some of the habits as out of reach.(2) In the section on curating media and limiting consumption, Earley suggests making and keeping lists of worthwhile shows, movies, etc., and suggests that anyone who has trouble with this can easily find lists of recommended media. While this may have been true in years past, it’s been a struggle to find lists of films or shows that buttress, edify, or appropriately challenge my (orthodox Christian) beliefs. Perhaps the desire was to focus readers on the habit rather than recommending films from a particular worldview, but it would have been nice to have some suggested starting points, even if it were just what the author uses or commends as worthwhile.Overall, The Common Rule does a beautiful job synthesizing a rich body of wisdom, observation of the human condition, and spiritual direction into an engaging and helpful framework for living differently from most of the people with whom we share our lives. I’m firmly convinced that a life shaped by God working through these habits (among others) is more joyful, more thriving, and more fulfilling than what most of us are currently trying. I’m on board![ Note: I was provided a promotional review copy of the book; however, I’ve already purchased three more for my own use and to gift to others. ]

This book is blowing my mind and much conviction and I’m only on page 8!!! This is book is far better than I expected!! This book was recommended by Bible Nerd Ministries and it seemed interesting and I purchased it. I’m so glad I did because I don’t often purchase books on the recommendation of others. I’m going to share this book with others I know! Idk how this book isn’t “famous” or “well known” like so many others!!! Highly recommended!!!!! 100 stars ⭐️ ‘s!!

I heard this book referenced in a sermon, and I decided to read it. Justin is honest about what drove him to this topic. And it's helpful to hear from a father and busy corporate attorney how he views life. It is very hard to implement his suggested changes, but I can only imagine the impact. And hope to find out. I heard him speak recently in my hometown--even small changes could have big impacts with God's help. I definitely would recommend this book.

I've been waiting for this one to come out for about the last six months, and it has exceeded my expectations. The book is a work around habits, which according to Justin, ‘shape you more than you shape them.’ I’ve long been a fan of intentional habits, identity formation, and thoughtful living (Dallas Willard caught me young with The Divine Conspiracy) and Justin’s work is a standout addition to this genre of work.The crux of the book centers around 4 daily habits, and 4 weekly habits – both of which are rhythms of embrace and resistance.If I’m following what he’s suggesting, it means that each day I’m taking a moment to kneel in prayer 3x a day, I’m in the Word before I’m on my phone, I’m eating one meal with other people (engaged in conversation), and I’m spending an hour a day with my phone off (which enough reports tell you makes a significant mental difference in your presence with those around you).Then on a weekly basis, I'm spending one hour a week in conversation with a friend, cultivating relationships (which is most preferable in person, fully present), I’m fasting from something for 24 hours, I’m taking a sabbath (to remind myself of being a creature with limits who should rejoice in their Creator), and I’m saving all the passive use of media (scrolling, surfing, binging) for a scheduled block of time rather than all the snippets of time, presence, and focus that I hand over between lights, pauses in conversation, or pings from my phone.And the end of these habits is the formation of a person who is present, growing in love for God and love of our neighbors.Justin’s voice is engaging and helpful as he shares what he’s wrestled through to make these thoughts clear. I have found myself thankful for a lot of sentences in this book that I can tell are the fruit of sustained thought. In fact, I have been using a nighttime blessing he wrote as part of our bedtime routine for the last eight months or so, and it is sowing the truth of God’s love into our children with succinct language for which I’m thankful.

This audiobook was so eye opening and insightful. I’d give it a read if you’re ready to start changing your life!

This book has great content. A women’s Bible study of mine use this book about a year ago. As a working mom it’s was a bit more applicable for me than my friends at home with littles because he spoke about work busyness a lot, so just a heads up there. He has another book like this around the family that may be better for a women’s study.