Writing For Eternity

Confessions of a Happy Christian by Zig Ziglar

Book Review: Confessions of a Happy Christian

Grant at Writing for Eternity

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1–2 minutes

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Have you read a book that changed the trajectory of your life?

Over the decades, many have benefited from Zig Ziglar’s book, Confessions of a Happy Christian.

Years before I read the book, I heard Zig present to thousands, encouraging them with memorable quotes. For example:

You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.

One of my all-time favorite Zig quotes affected me and the people I coached.

Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.

Bottom line, Zig’s book encouraged me to replace my worldly values with those of Jesus.

His life story opened my eyes. If the professional speaker and author I admired surrendered his life to Christ, who was I to resist?

Zig gave me a nudge, and I listened to the Holy Spirit.

My wife and I agreed to visit a church. I still remember that cold December day. We sat in our parked car for so long that the windows fogged up. Embarrassed by our worldly thinking that someone might mistake us for a couple making out, we finally went inside.

Not long after that first service, I gave my heart to Christ and, after a few months, I got baptized. Then, Sunday after Sunday, we kept showing up, eager to take part in the many church activities.

Now you know why Confessions of a Happy Christian still occupies a special place in my heart and remains on my bookshelf after nearly four decades.

The book is available on Amazon (paperback or Kindle), and I hope you enjoy Zig’s humor and advice as much as I did.

What books shaped the trajectory of your life?

14 responses to “Book Review: Confessions of a Happy Christian”

  1. Robert Avatar
    Robert

    Great testimony (and Zig’s isn’t bad either!).

    I like ‘Let the Nations be Glad’ by John Piper.

    He starts off by saying something like ‘evangelism isn’t the primary purpose of the church; worship is. Evangelism happens because worship doesn’t’. As someone who likes to think of myself as gifted in evangelism, this book was encouragement to be a good witness, not just because I’m temperamentally inclined towards it but because it’s a good thing to do.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      I’ll check out John Piper’s book, Robert, and thanks for sharing how it helped you.

      Reply
  2. Christina Amery Avatar
    Christina Amery

    I haven’t read any of his books, but I’ve seen (and appreciated) many of his quotes over the years. I love your story of how you came to the Lord (and chuckled at your concern about the perception of the foggy windows). Thank you for sharing your journey.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      As an encourager of human improvement, Zig lived what he taught. A positive lifestyle founded on God’s immutable values. Funny, too! His tapes (yes, it was that long ago) propelled many to the top ranks in sales and leadership.

      Reply
  3. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    For a long time, long ago, Zig Zigler was a favorite of mine, for inspiration. I’ll take a look at this one.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Like one of those tunes you can’t get out of your head, Zig’s advice and stories stick with you over the years.

      Reply
  4. Wrenn Leone Avatar
    Wrenn Leone

    I know his name, and have likely seen quotes throughout the years (LOVE the one you chose to highlight), but I never read his book. It sounds most inspiriting. I also loved the story of how you came to faith, Grant. I too remember sitting in a parking lot for a period of time when God was nudging me back to my faith after being a prodigal.

    I’ve read so many Christian books over the years, but there are two I go back to again and again–The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey and This Present Darkness (fiction) by Frank Peretti. More recently, The Shack by William P. Young (also fiction) really made a lasting impression on me.

    Excellent share today!

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      I’ve read several of Frank Peretti’s novels. I’m going to check out Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey. Thanks, Wrenn!

      Reply
  5. Dana at Regular Girl Devos Avatar
    Dana at Regular Girl Devos

    Great book! I like how Zig shares how his love for God inspires his business practices.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Thanks, Dana. I love how Zig stayed faithful to ‘the redhead’ over many decades.

      Reply
  6. hope Avatar
    hope

    Grant, I really appreciate you sharing this book. Not a title I’m familiar with, but you have piqued my interest. To answer your question about a book which has changed my life, I can immediately respond with Amy Carmichael’s book, If. While on the mission field, over 15 years ago, I was listening to a recording of one of Elizabeth Elliott’s talks and she mentioned the book. I bought it and it changed my life permanently. It’s a book I have purchased many times as gifts. The Autobiography of George Mueller was another book God has used in my life mightily.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      You’re welcome, Hope, and love how writers have the privilege of shaping the lives of so many.

      Reply
  7. Don White Avatar
    Don White

    After reading your post, I found myself sitting here, thinking about all the books that have influenced me. I’m dyslexic, and when I first became a Christian, I had not yet learned some of the tricks for being able to read. Because of that, all the books that I read cover to cover were great and had a tremendous influence on me. As I looked at the bookshelves, it reminded me that I had developed a habit back then of giving away the books I liked best to people I thought it might help. That leaves the bookcase shelves filled with reference works, and the books not quite as good. Thank you for the post.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Me too, Don, and I sometimes wonder where they ended up. After downsizing, we donated many novels to the local library. Of those, several ended up in the annual book sale. I’d like to think they’re in the hands of people who needed the message. Like dropping a pebble into a pond’s still waters, we may never know where those ripples go and who they touch. Thanks for stopping by, Don!

      Reply

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