The
Life You’ve Always Wanted
(Spiritual
Disciplines for Ordinary People)
by John Ortberg
Reviewed by Pat Beaty
My fellow travelers – in a way, this is a how-to book - but
not in any way the kind of how-to book that you have ever read. The author says, “the goal of this book is to
help us grow spiritually,” and he makes it clear that this is an urgent
matter. Do you wonder why?! The writer
further describes this work, announcing: “This book is about spiritual growth,
it is that holy and mysterious process described by the apostle Paul when he
said he was ‘in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.’”
One section, which is both stark and amusing at the same
time, is about his childhood hero – Popeye.
Ortberg explains his own personal dilemma and relates it to the “sailor
man” with the unhappy comment, “I yam what I yam.” Further on in this very
readable indictment of himself, the author, in “We Shall Morph Indeed,”
describes Jesus “morphing” into a man and man “morphing” into a redeemed
creature.
The author reminds his reader of what C.S. Lewis said, “Joy
is the serious business of heaven.” You
will be charmed by “Dee Dah Day (The Practice of Celebration)” and his frequent
use of the term throughout his delightful treatise. Ortberg refers often to quotes from other
works as well as to the Holy Word. And, as you probably know from his previous
efforts, his manner of making his point is a joy to read!
In the chapter, “Appropriate Smallness,” he proclaims the truth
that, “Jesus did not come as a servant in spite of the fact that He is God; He
came precisely because of the fact that He is God.” “The Guided Life” discusses
our relationship with our maker and, trust me, the chapters “An Undivided Life”
and “Life with a Well-ordered Heart” will not only guide you in prayer and
Bible reading but it will give you enjoyment in both of these “duties.”
If you have read this author before, you know what lies in
store for you. This book is a
jewel! Finally, let me urge you to
consider these two statements from this book: “God is the infinite servant” and
“God is the most humble being in the universe.”
For previous reviews, go to: http://patbeaty.blogspot.com
October 22, 2013
