Ortber AP The Me I Want to Be PDF

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Running head: PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW

Practical Book Review The Me I Want to Be Angel Manuel Perez Liberty University

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PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW Summary

The Me I Want to Be is a piece of literary work by John Ortberg (2010) created to serve as abetment to the readers as they endeavor to be compliant with Scripture and become more Christ-like. This author offers a practical review of this book consisting of four sections. First, this author provides a succinct summary of the book, addressing what this author considers to be the pinnacle points of the book. Second, this author expresses his personal response to some of John Ortberg’s arguments. Third, this author shares personal reflection as he reveals his personal perspective of the work. The final section will describe action steps taken by this author in response to the Ortberg’s work. Summary By the end of the book, the readers will find “Flourishing” (Ortberg, 2010, p. 13), and “In the Flow” (Ortberg, 2010, p. 21) to be two major themes developed by Ortberg. Ortberg (2010) leads his readers to understand that Jehovah has formed man to flourish. However, Ortberg (2010) argues that for a man to flourish, one needs to bear in mind and reflect upon every facet of a one’s life. Ortberg (2010) describes a journey consisting of five components through which Jehovah redeems the believer. Ortberg (2010) argues that a person languishing in life will find themselves not flourishing. Ortberg (2010) builds the body of his book on the premise that a person is created for a purpose, and that purpose cannot be realized until one comes to understand who one is, from Jehovah’s perspective. The body of his book addresses the facets of life and how one transforms into improved versions of themselves when one is "in the flow" of the Holy Spirit (Ruach Hakodesh). Humans are composed of more than just their flesh. Humans are also made of a spiritual element. Humans are spiritual beings. A person can only begin to focus on what Jehovah’s focus

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is when that person’s spirit is in communion with Ruach Hakodesh. According to Ortberg (2010), this is a requirement for flourishing and being in the flow. Reaching a point of flourishing and being in the flow does not come easy for anyone. It is a lifelong process. Ortberg (2010) argues that, in this lifelong process, the most challenging battle to be spiritual. Ortberg (2010) also argues that Jehovah uses those challenges (life experiences) to help a person on their journey in forming their spiritual identity. Yielding to the Holy Spirit is the beginning of one coming to an understanding of one's purpose and experience spiritual growth. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, one’s mindset begins to change, and one will commence to flourish as a result. As the mindset changes, so do the things one once wanted to do. In Romans 7:19, depending on the Bible translation being used, Paul uses terms want to. In Romans 12:2, Paul speaks of renewing the mind. Ortberg (2010) uses the terms “want to’s" and "should do's." He goes as far as to argue that in the renewed mind of a believer the “want to’s” change, and the “should do’s” become less of a challenge to do. Hence, becoming the best version of oneself means monitoring the renewed mind and continuously filling it with God’s Word. Paul instructs the believer to bind every thought that is in contradiction to obeying the Word (Christ) in 2 Corinthians 10:5, and Philippians 4:8 tells the believer what things to think on. This is what Ortberg (2010) describes as taking place in a flourishing life. So, as one moves into the flow, one’s priorities change. Everyone on this planet operates with the same given amount of time, a 24-hour day. How one manages their time is their prerogative, but it is also imperative to Jehovah. A person that is flourishing is found to be in conversation with Jehovah about redeeming their time. Prayer and conversation are synonymous regarding communication with Jehovah. In conversation, one learns about the person they are conversing with, but they also learn about themselves.

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Conversation is not only talking, but it also involves being an active listener. That is where the learning takes place. In this process, the believer becomes enlightened and more self-aware. Moreover, it is in this process of enlightenment that one begins to say that he or she was blind, but now can see (John 9:25), and time can now be redeemed. The misconception of good prayer is that prayer is not short. Ortberg (2010) argues that “the goal of prayer is to live all of my life and speak all of my words in the joyful awareness of the presence of God” (p. 134). If God is always present, then one can always be in a conversation (prayer) with Him, and not box God up into a schedule. Prayer serves to deepen one’s relationship with God. Ortberg (2010) stresses relationship throughout his book. He stresses not only the importance of a quality relationship with God but with one's environment and others as well. Ortberg (2010) argues that a quality relationship opens the flourishing believer to experience the gifts of commitment, love, joy, and belonging. Ortberg (2010) goes on to argue that stressful relationship also serves to grow the believer in his or her endeavors to become more Christ-like. So, the experience of the gifts mentioned above is not only for the flourishing believer to receive, but to give or demonstrate to others as well. This includes in the workplace. Finally, Ortberg (2010) addresses the importance of the believer’s work life to Jehovah. The average person spends more time at work during the week than with his family and friends. Also, most people spend most of their life working. Ortberg (2010) states that the workplace is a place where one is involved in “building up people, creating teams, and managing the resources of creation, requiring the guidance and energy of the Spirit” (p. 219). A flourishing life is a blessing to those in one’s workplace.

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There are several points addressed by Ortberg (2010) that hit home. The section on transformation experiences took me back and caused me to reflect on several trying experiences in my past. Growing up in NYC, and coming from a fragmented family, I experienced racism, parental abuse, suicidal ideations, a teenage suicide attempt, stereotyping, and divorce. However, the most painful and trying experiences as an adult was my divorce from my first wife. For some, their feeling of divorce can be equated to the mourning of a deceased loved one. That was the case for me. I entered a deep depression lasting over two years. It affected my performance at work and in my daily things in life. All I could do is cling to God. I engulfed myself in reading and studying Scripture, constant conversation with God, and much payer in my spiritual language. I wasn’t even aware I was in such a deep state of depression. I was in need of deliverance. I was all messed up. However, God came through. He met me where I was, daily. The Holy Spirit watched over me and kept me safe. God never stopped talking to me. The experience stimulated spiritual growth and caused me to experience God in ways I never had before. But I do not like learning or growing through negative experiences, so I try my hardest be as obedient to His Word as I know how and avoid that which I can control. Learning by obedience is far more appreciated than it is through negative experiences. Reflection I thought Ortberg’s (2010) work was pretty good and I would refer it to others for some good reading. However, while there is much about the Ortberg’s (2010) material I can relate to, there are things I have a little trouble with. In Chapter 4 he offers some advice I don’t agree with. Ortberg (2010) states that if “you have been attending church for years out of a sense of obligation… it is actually increasing the distance between you and God… here is an idea: Stop

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PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW going to church. Wait until you want to go again” (p. 53). I do not agree with this idea. It is bad advice. I would first go on a discovery mission and try to get more history on the person's situation. I try to offer some pastoral counseling. Maybe the person is dealing with guilt. What that person needs are more of the Holy Spirit in whatever setting, not to pull away from church altogether. There are too many factors to first explore. Another point that Ortberg (2010) addresses is when people say one should put family above work. He states that “you will not find this thought expressed in the Bible” (p. 226). Scripture may not be specific on this subject; however, there is plenty of Scripture passages that address the importance of family. Paul, in Ephesians 5 addresses husband, wife, and children. Throughout the New Testament, the relationship between Jesus and the church is likened to the husband and wife relationship. Yes, to look after one's family and provide financial support one must work and be a Christ-like employee. However, work does not trump family. If work begins to affect family negatively, then one must bring balance back into the equation. Action What are the action steps I will take after reading Ortberg’s work? Let me begin by

saying that I am always open to change. While, as I pointed out above, there are several things in the material I do not agree with, there are others worth investigating. There is a major area in my life that I struggle with and would like to give particular attention to. That is in being overly concerned and anxious. I need to take better control of false thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). Sometimes it reaches a point where it affects my sleep. Another area in my life I would like to focus on is glorifying God through my job. My ADHD issue makes it difficult for me when it comes to memory and getting things done in the time frame required. It is easy to get distracted and poorly prioritize things that need to get done,

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but I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Having the mind of Christ, I can do all things (Phil. 4:13). Finally, I need to begin to take better care of my health seriously. I need to get back to the gym and workout. I need to get the appropriate amount of sleep. I need to eat better. I have allowed other things in life to creep in and get me off track regarding my health. It has gotten to the point where I have become borderline diabetic, I'm borderline hypertensive, and I'm diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I have not been doing a good job at maintaining it. I need to bring to balance my spirit, soul (mind), and body.

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References Ortberg, J. (2010). The me I want to be. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan....