4-MAT Book Review
SUMMARY
Withing this book there has been a wealth of information regarding wellness coaching
and health. All the information given has come from the textbook provided as well as scholarly
articles. Dunlop’s book Wellness for the glory of God gives insight on health and wellness. In the
book Dunlop shows the different areas of health and wellness that are crucial for growth. He also
mentions being able to thrive in the field. Being a Christian doctor Dunlop is the author of this
book and it highlights the health and wellness of people as they get older.
In the book, Dunlop discusses the six areas of life that are important to wellness. Those
areas consist of physical, mental, social, financial, spiritual, and emotional wellness (Dunlop
2014). Dunlop discusses these areas from a Christian point of view. In the beginning of the book
Dunlop talks of a meeting with a 95-year-old patient that mentions being well. This conversation
made him question the meaning of wellness and what it looks like as an old person. Dunlop
states in his book the difference of those that do not have faith and older patients that have faith
in God (Dunlop, 2014).
Faith in Christ is the defining factor in feeling well in the latter years, but choices in life
is the contributing factor (Dunlop, 2014). Dunlop’s vision in writing this book places a strong
emphasis on Christian perspective and that was important to him. Wellness being holistic is what
Dunlop speaks about in the first chapter. There are six chapters that focuses on one of the six
areas of wellness in life. Dunlop uses scripture to connect to the Christian aspects. Closing each
chapter Dunlop uses questions and reflections in the discussion.
4-MAT Book Review
Dunlop ends the book with a worksheet so that readers can highlight changes that need to
be made and the actions they will take to get there.
Concrete Response
While reading this book it allows me to look at my ow life from a different perspective.
Am I living my life the way God intended on purpose. I find myself writing things down daily
that could be changed or improved in my life. I always say change doesn’t change until you
change. Meaning there are no real changes in your life until you decide to make them. These are
changes that will be beneficial throughout my life as I grow older. My mother has been quite
healthy most of my life. The only time she has been in the hospital was to give birth to my sister.
I admire her for keeping her spirits high and maintaining the good health that she has. In
Dunlop’s book it’s mentioned that “Staying well requires planning” (Dunlop, 2014). Just as we
plan other things in our lives, we have to choose to plan our health and wellness. Dunlop
emphasizes how to maximize chances of doing well in different areas. Dunlop also states the
importance of defining our goals and implementing strategies to achieve them (Dunlop, 2014).
With me I always seem to take on the most challenging assignments or duties to allow
myself room for improvement and growth. When we incorporate the Christian world view it
allows us to remember God in the goals that we set for ourselves. When our goals are aligned
with our purpose only then can wellness be achieved. I try not to worry about things I have no
control over, especially when it comes to my health. Every doctor’s visit there is a little worry
that sets in. I try to keep myself motivated and build my confidence by reading the word of God
4-MAT Book Review
that applies to what my current state is. If I find myself becoming burnt out or overwhelmed and
emotional, I take a step back to regroup, pray and allow God to take control.
Reflecting
Dunlop’s book is important in health and wellness. The knowledge, experience, and skills he has
and uses with a Christian worldview that is relatable. Books that contain the important
information should be accessible to everyone. Dunlop mentioned that this book in the Christian
perspective may not be accepted by everyone (Dunlop, 2014). While this book is beneficial for
Christians those that do not believe may not benefit from it as much. There are many people
from other health demographics that could benefit from his book.
This book show Dunlop’s purpose in life, serving others and glorifying God. I believe the
information in this book is critical for every demographic area and population. Younger
generations and people in the secular world can also benefit from this book. This book allows
you to examine your own wellness. Every chapter of the book allows me to look at my own life,
myself and my beliefs. Life coaches can benefit from this book with clients to implement
changes and to be informed of them.
Application
When I become a life coach, I will implement what I have learned to an array of clients
that I meet. Dunlop provides all the skills and knowledge needed in order to support the clients
so that they may achieve wellness in their lives. Dunlop states that the areas of our lives are
interconnected, so at times we feel as though when something goes awry our world comes
4-MAT Book Review
crashing down (Dunlop, 2014). We should be able to identify areas in our lives that we need to
change. When someone is unable to maintain their mental wellbeing, it is not uncommon for
them to become emotional and even withdrawn. Sometimes we may find ourselves isolated from
others. This is the impact of social wellness. Dunlop mentions depressed, and demented people
can feel lonely and our presence alone can help them in feeling better (Dunlop, pg. 68, 2014).
Withdrawal is common in people who are depressed or demented. Reaching out for the
support needed is a hard learning curve. Encouraging clients to do so within their comfort zones.
Financial wellness is an area that should be addressed on a regular basis. Dunlop gives
highlighted points and a practical guideline to help relieve the worry regarding finances. Dunlop
also states the key features of “worry-free financial wellness”, and the understanding we all have
which comes and belongs to God (pg. 120).
He also mentions how we can trust God with our needs (Dunlop, 2014). This helps the
way we think on our debt free journey, mental health, physical health, spiritual health, and our
emotional and social health. When we know and understand that we are held and protected by
God the worries that we have in our minds can be released. This has given me an understanding
of how to achieve wellness and also pouring into my clients the same that they may achieve it
also.
