Running head: PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW
Practical Book Review
The Me I Want to Be
Angel Manuel Perez
Liberty University
1
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
2
PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW
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.
3
PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW
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.
4
PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW
Response
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
5
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,
6
PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW
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.
7
PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW
References
Ortberg, J. (2010). The me I want to be. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
8
