Encompassing Charity

By Joe Evans

Reviewed by Russell Y. Anderson
On 3/18/2010

Cedar Fort, 2010 Trade Paperback:
165 pages
ISBN-10: 1-59955-311-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-59955-311-5 Price: $12.99

Encompasing Charity provides an insightful examination of the many aspects of charity and how it applies to our lives. By discussing the various meanings and applications of Charity, Joe Evans ends up examining most of the doctrinal and meaningful aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Admittedly I was left to wonder why Joe Evans, a backup BYU quarterback to Ty Detmer, would have the knowledge or background to write on this subject. Part of the answer to that question comes from an examination of his life which he describes in the first chapter. The divorce of his parents brought him more exposure to the church, but not much interest.

He describes some interesting experiences, such as the time that he paid his tithing (even though he didn't attend church) instead of paying the fee for football camp and found out that an unexpected insurance claim gave him the exact amount that was needed for the camp.

“Consequently, I began my search with the LDS Church. I found my copy of the Book of Mormon and began to read. I wasn't through 2 Nephi, when I knew in my heart and soul that this book was true. I knew it! The Spirit of the Lord witnessed to me in feelings of joy, peace, and love that motivated me to drop my proverbial nets and follow the Savior. I felt a love from God and for God that opened my eyes. . . . The feelings of the Spirit, in contrast to the feelings of a misguided soul, were stark, recognizable, and motivating.”

Even though he had been promised the starting quarterback position at Idaho State, he felt an urgent need to go on a mission at age 21. The results were phenomenal: “My mission changed my life. The things I learned and valuable experiences I had I would not trade for anything in the world.”

He was offered two football scholarships if he would return from his mission early. He didn't feel good about that and decided to complete his mission instead. Shortly thereafter BYU offered him a scholarship and they didn't require that he come home early. He backed up Ty Detmer and married the daughter of Ken Schmidt, the defensive coordinator for BYU.

He explains his feelings about charity:

“I have come to realize that the Lord has the ability to change a soul, bless a life, and cause a miracle if we only have faith, hope, and especially charity. Charity to me means so much more than just doing good works. I believe charity involves our entire heart, might, mind, and strength, nothing wavering. Our focus, our motives, and our actions completely directed without thought for us, toward the two great commandments. This book is about what I almost missed.” (p. 11)

He later explains,

“In my early early years I was completely focused upon my standing in society. My happiness was dependent upon my place on the scale of success. Only when I felt the tangible, life-altering love of God in response to my sincere prayer of repentance did I gain the understanding that life has a much higher purpose. As I developed my love for God, I came to understand my role in this purpose and the joy that comes from being in the battle. My experience with God's love, especially when nothing in life could remotely compare, uniquely motivated me to change my course and my desires. God's love literally opens our hearts and our minds. Experiences with God's love sprouts hope within us, both for ourselves and for others. Those filled with charity are less condemning because they know the power of God's love to change a soul and understand their eternal possibilities.” (p. 90)

Many pages of this book are loaded with insights and thoughts that can have a life-changing influence. Here are a few examples

“Desires are shaped as we serve. First, we begin the process out of duty or even some lesser motive. However, for us to continue to sacrifice our time and means, we must deepen our spiritual roots and our reasons for service.” (p. 25)

“It is important to note that this book is meant to uncover our weaknesses and then motivate us to strive to be more like the Savior.” (p. 27)

“Great compassion is born through great suffering, Great faith is grown under duress. When looking at your trials from this perspective, you may even come to 'glory in tribulation' because our 'tribulation worketh patience' (Romans 5:3) when you hold fast in your darkest hours.” (p. 31)

“Gratitude will foster within you the love for God and move you to action for his glory and for the welfare of others. This is charity. It will fuel your soul during the empty trying times.” (p. 46)

Sometimes the book seemed too comprehensive. He had chapters on the various aspects of charity such as, Charity Suffereth Long, - is Kind, - Envieth Not, - Vaunteth Not Itself, etc. Under each of these topics I was sometimes amazed to find several additional gospel topics discussed. Not that they didn't relate to the chapter, but I begin to loose focus on the chapter's purpose.

Joe Evans is giving us a view of charity and the gospel that comes from his lifetime of sorrow, growth, development and experiences. With the many problems that we face he tells us, “The antidote to what ails us is an increase in charity and decrease on the self.” (p. 163)


Copyright 2010