Keeping Off the Casualty List

A Book Review of Keeping Off the Casualty List by Leroy Eims

Have you ever driven by a wrecking yard? The rows and rows of used up and spent vehicles are an eye-sore to some, a plethora of spare parts to others, and to others, they are memories of family vacations, first dates, and trips to grandma’s house.

How did a once viable piece of transportation become a reduced heap of rubble? Small things failed over time, a large trauma, or possibly neglect.

Leroy Eims uses this and similar pictures to show the effects of attitudes and behaviors that work in a Christian’s life to erode and disable the power of God.

The enemy of our soul works to steal, kill and destroy anything that God wants to work in our life. A simple distraction, a disappointment, or even a misunderstanding can take hold of our thoughts and turn us sour toward God, His people, and His purposes.

Have you allowed a root of bitterness to take hold? Have you been disillusioned? Have you let pride, covetousness, or comparison seep into your thought life?

Even though the copy of the book I hold was released in 1986, several things resonate with me and my life experiences. I was passed over for a promotion (or several) that I thought I was the top candidate, I was blocked in ministry plans (while thinking I was following God’s call), I was misunderstood and misquoted (sometimes people have heard the complete opposite of what I said, if at all), and I have felt invisible and ineffective. Each is an opportunity and a constant reminder of something stolen from me. All openings for me to feel entitled and ultimately flee the church and community that should be a place of refuge and salvation.

Eims speaks to ‘parental ignorance’, where those of us who know better fail to warn those who are new to the faith. Or maybe we have forgotten the basics like reminding ourselves of our assurance of salvation, making a quiet time important, preparing for setbacks and difficulties, and reminding ourselves of God’s transforming grace and mercy through forgiveness.

But, Eims also encourages us to grow as disciple makers. Recognizing the stages of spiritual maturity and the importance of walking beside others and setting a good example of Godly character development. Simple steps like getting into the Word and learning through our tests and trials can help others when they experience hardship and growth spurts.

Eims offers many more specific thoughts in this book. Like the simple analogy the ‘higher’ up we go in church hierarchy, the further we have to stumble. He challenges leaders to serve others by accomplishing the inner work of obedience, discipline, and devotion before looking to do outward work like preaching, evangelism, and leading.

I appreciated the candor and layout of this book. It can be used as a personal challenge and a group study to hone our awareness of self and spiritual formation. As a final reminder, the OMN CARE Team is poised and ready to walk with anyone who needs extra grace in dealing with the items of soul care, before you end up on the casualty list.