What I’m Learning from It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado
I’ve been reading It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado with my Tuesday morning men’s group, and it’s challenged me in the best kind of way. It’s one of those books that doesn’t just tell you something new—it reminds you of what you already know deep down but often forget in the grind of everyday life: I’m not the center of the universe.
That might sound obvious, but if I’m honest, I’ve been living like the pressure’s on me to figure everything out, carry the weight, solve every problem, and prove something to the world—and to God. This book gently but firmly pulls the focus off of me and redirects it where it belongs: to God.
Max Lucado lays out a simple but powerful truth—life works best when it’s centered around God’s glory, not mine. And when I stop trying to be the main character and instead reflect the character of Christ, there’s actually freedom in that.
Here are some of the lessons that hit home for me, along with scripture that’s anchoring this shift:
1. Life isn’t about spotlighting me—it’s about reflecting Him
Lucado talks about how we’re made to be mirrors, reflecting God’s glory into the world. That’s such a humbling and freeing image. I don’t have to manufacture greatness—I just have to let God shine through me.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says,
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
When I stop obsessing over how I look, perform, or compare to others, I can actually be used by God in powerful ways—because it’s not about me being impressive, it’s about Him being seen.
2. My struggles aren’t meaningless—they’re opportunities to trust and point to God
There’s a chapter where Lucado reminds us that even our pain can glorify God—not because God enjoys our suffering, but because when we lean on Him instead of ourselves, the world sees His strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9 has become a lifeline for me:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
I’ve been in some situations lately where I’ve felt overwhelmed and out of control. But those are the very places where I’ve experienced God’s presence the most clearly—when I finally let go and stopped pretending I had it all together.
3. Worship realigns everything
Lucado talks about how worship isn’t just a Sunday morning thing—it’s a daily, hourly choice to remember who God is and who I am not. When I put God in His rightful place, my fears shrink, my pride melts, and my purpose gets clearer.
Psalm 115:1 says it all:
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Worship doesn’t start when life gets easy. It starts when I choose to focus on God’s character instead of my chaos. That’s how I stay grounded.
4. I’m not here to be served—I’m here to serve
One of the hardest shifts for me has been moving from self-preservation to self-giving. When I’m hurting or overwhelmed, the last thing I want to do is serve others. But Lucado reminds us that we’re most like Jesus when we’re washing feet, not demanding our own comfort. I even recently had my feet washed by our Priest at the Christ Renews His Parish retreat, what a great reminder!
Mark 10:45 makes it clear:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Serving others with no agenda—just love—isn’t natural, but it’s transformational. That’s what I want to be known for, especially moving forward in my redemption and reconciliation.
5. God’s glory is the goal—not my success or comfort
This one is hard. I like comfort. I like control. But God is inviting me to something higher—living for His glory, even when it’s inconvenient or costly. And I know that I will be used well even if I go back to prison.
Romans 11:36 says,
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
When I make God’s glory the goal, not my own reputation, it changes how I handle everything—from work, to relationships, to suffering, to uncertainty.
This book and our men’s group discussions have been a gut check for me. It’s reminded me that I’m part of a much bigger story—and the pressure’s not on me to be the hero. God already is. My job is to trust Him, reflect Him, and worship Him—especially when it’s hardest.
If you’re exhausted from trying to hold it all together, maybe it’s time to let go of the need to make it about you. There’s a strange and beautiful peace in remembering it never was.
