Armenta Howerton

Thoughts on Living for God; Seven Pillars to a Virtuous Lifestyle.

By Rev. William Jenkins

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Following are my reflections on a wonderful book by Armenta Howerton entitled, Living for God; Seven Pillars to a virtuous lifestyle.

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Upon first seeing the book some time ago, I was intrigued by the title.  I wondered how this young author was going to develop that title and make it relevant to today’s reader, and especially how she was going to make a case for a virtuous lifestyle in a society where people seldom hear the word virtue anymore.

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By the time I finished the book, I was convinced that she had done an excellent job in making a great case for the title she had chosen, the position she had taken, and the journey she had invited the reader to take with her.

I found Living for God: Seven Pillars to a Virtuous Lifestyle, delightful, uplifting, and easy to read. The book is also refreshing and relatable.

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Ms. Howerton is not a theologian, and does not claim to be one, but her book is theologically sound and her knowledge of scriptures and biblical positions on the issue she raises is evident.

Each of the pillars of the virtuous lifestyle she tells us about is supported with scriptures that are very appropriate, and through those scriptures she explains to the reader the path to the virtuous lifestyle.

The scriptures are well chosen and appropriately placed, and one does not have to be a biblical scholar to understand their use and meaning in the text.

 

Additionally, and quite effectively, Ms. Howerton uses her personal experiences and shares some of her struggles and triumphs to help the reader understand how she arrived at her present spiritual place and level of understanding.

She does not claim that the virtuous lifestyle is easy, or that it is immediate, but through the study and application of the word of God, she believes it can be attained, and has demonstrated as much in her own life.  

Ultimately, Ms. Howerton explains that a virtuous lifestyle is one that is dedicated to the service of God, and the more one becomes immersed in the serviced of God, the more pleasant the journey becomes.

I highly recommend Living for God: Seven Pillars to a Virtuous Lifestyle. It is a fresh look at an issue that has been with us throughout the ages, and I believe it is a look that will help each reader see the very idea of a virtuous lifestyle more clearly.

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