Book Review of Alignment Check by Lily Chong
Alignment Check: this is so timely for me, a much needed ‘back to basics’ guide in my desire to fulfil my current assignment.
During the launch of Alignment Check on 19 September 2018, I remember Ps Henson telling us to read the book slowly – maybe a chapter a week and to spend time mulling/reflecting over the questions at the end of each chapter. Immediately, I wondered if I could do that. True to myself, I didn’t succeed as I kept turning the pages. I also told myself that this book will not be sitting pretty in my bookshelf. Its rightful place will be next to my Bible as I must consult it consistently.
Three years ago, the LORD gave me an assignment to reach out to two specific groups of people. They are precious to me and so the assignment should be an easy ride. (Or so I thought.) However, it was so specific that it became a lonely journey. Now, having read Alignment Check, my mind has been renewed and I have picked up at least twenty points throughout the book which I am very sure will help me to complete my assignment to the glory of God. To keep these fresh and relevant, I have started to journal and asked a couple of friends to be my prayer partners.
I am also thankful that I have been ‘set free’ from some of the erroneous perceptions of church life and service. In addition to the discipleship myths listed out in Chapter 20, Ps Henson reminds us that the church is imperfect and institutionalised, challenges that make alignment with Jesus and one another even more important and critical (p62). I wish I could have articulated some of things the way he did. I can only say that it blessed my heart that Ps Henson has said it so well.
Alignment Check became a reality check for me as I considered more deeply the significance of the following two verses … “to endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” 2 Tim 1:10, and “let him deny himself” Matthew 16:24 (really tough for me and I am sure for many of us).
I may know my assignment but I must be prepared for challenges as I seek to be faithful to complete all I have been assigned. At this juncture, I know I need to press on because the time will come when all I really want to hear is “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your LORD” (p295).
I have said it before and I am saying it AGAIN – Thank you, Pastor Henson for this awesome book! I pray that it will also be a blessing to many others who truly want to do their assignment well for the glory of God.
To order SAY TO ARCHIPPUS and ALIGNMENT CHECK, email archippusawakening@gmail.com.
Lily Chong is having the time of her life imparting biblical values to her grandchildren. On her leisure days, with God’s strength, she seeks for opportunities to impact lives for Jesus.