Something Needs to Change by David Platt: A Book Review

If you’ve read any of David Platt’s books then typically you know what awaits you. Most likely, you are going to become uncomfortable. You are going to be challenged to your core. You are going to be called to examine whether you really believe what you say you believe when it comes to following Jesus. His newest book, Something Needs to Change is not exception.

Platt, who is the author of three New York Times best sellers, including Radical and is the lead pastor at McLean Bible Church in metro Washington, DC is inviting the reader to come on a wild journey with him in Something Needs to Change. In honesty and vulnerability, David Platt invites you to hike with him through some of the highest mountains in Asia. If you choose to go on this hike, not only will you get to know him better, but you’ll be shocked and surprised at what you encounter. Platt says, “So by inviting you to come with me into these mountains, I’m asking you to open yourself to the possibility that the way you view your life, your family, your church, or your future might not be the same when you return.”

As most of Platt’s books are, this one was gripping. I found myself fascinated while reading the journal entries Platt shared during his time hiking. In fact, this one of my favorite things in the book. To read David Platt’s journal entries makes you feel like you’re gaining access to something that many would long to look into. The other gripping thing for me was how vulnerable Platt was with his thoughts and emotions. He doesn’t hold back, but shares with the reader what he is wrestling through as he encounters shocking situations during this hike. He doesn’t provide neat and tidy answers either. Instead, you will wrestle too.

I think this book is especially eye opening and challenging for Christians who may not have the means or ability to go on a trip like this or to some other third world part of the globe. I found myself crying at times. I found myself asking, “What can I do? What should I do?” A book like this serves to expand your worldview. If I’m honest, I probably need to read the book again.

This book will cause you to wrestle with your theology. This book will cause you to wrestle with how you’re living. Platt challenges the reader to, “Think about it this way: how would you want a person on the other side of the world to live if you were on a road leading to an eternal hell and no one had ever told you how you could go to heaven? Answer that question, and then live accordingly.” These are challenging words indeed.

I’d recommend that you not pick up this book if you want to stay comfortable and keep going about business as usual. However, if you truly want to take Jesus more seriously, be challenged, and start thinking about intentional ways of living then read this book. You won’t be able to read without being convinced that Something Needs to Change.

Something Needs to Change releases on September 17, 2019, but you pre-order a copy from Amazon and then go to this website and receive an advanced copy.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary advanced copy of Something Needs to Change from Multnomah in exchange for a fair and honest review.