The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual disciplines for ordinary people
by John Ortberg
SUMMARY
John Ortberg’s book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual disciplines for ordinary people, published by Zondervan in 2002, is a contemporary exploration of the spiritual disciplines. Ortberg first introduces the purpose of the disciplines, and then examines eight specific disciplines, followed by a proposed plan for integration and endurance. The following provides a brief summary of Ortberg’s work.
Ortberg (2002) begins with a broad assertion, “The primary goal of spiritual life is transformation” and defines transformation as “the inward and real formation of the essential nature of a person” (p. 21). Accordingly, Ortberg (2002) warns of outward and inauthentic change, which includes image management, judgment, legalism, and superficiality. Importantly, the author clarifies that spiritual disciplines are not indicators of spiritual growth; instead, their purpose is to provide training that enhances individuals’ ability to love (Ortberg, 2002).
Once the author establishes the purpose of the disciplines, an examination of eight practices commences. First, Ortberg (2002) suggests that joy is a command; thus the discipline of celebration is crucial so that sin no longer is appealing (Ortberg, 2002). Next, the author introduces the discipline of slowing, which attenuates an unrelenting attempt to achieve more (Ortberg, 2002). Ortberg (2002) suggests the achievement trap reveals itself in multi-tasking, clutter, superficiality, and fatigue, and then suggests the solution is solitude. Third, the author explores the discipline of prayer and asks whether God’s sovereignty avoids the necessity of prayer and then answers by arguing that prayer’s purpose is to change individuals and possibly change God’s mind (Ortberg, 2002). The fourth discipline is the practice of servanthood, especially secretive service, which forges humility into the life of the believer (Ortberg, 2002). Specifically, Ortberg (2002) highlights the power of providing mundane service, allowing interruptions, and embracing weaknesses as effective pride killers. Next, the author focuses on confession, which is not necessary for God, but has the transformative effect of both freeing individuals from guilt and simultaneously making sin less attractive (Ortberg, 2002). Ortberg (2002) identifies guidance from the Holy Spirit as the sixth discipline. Specifically, the author encourages a spiritual mindfulness powered by attentive listening in order to receive Spirit-led promptings that guide daily living (Ortberg, 2002). The seventh discipline is the practice of secrecy that is instrumental in attacking approval addiction (Ortberg, 2002). Ortberg (2002) suggests that practicing doing good without being noticed helps individuals break the need for human approval that does not satisfy. Finally, the author suggests that reflecting on Scripture undermines double-mindedness and then encourages individuals to bring an attitude of repentance with a laser-like focus on brief passages to assimilate the transformative effects of the Word (Ortberg, 2002).
Subsequent to presenting the disciplines, Ortberg (2002) discusses a plan for integrating the practices into a life that endures. In opposition to the paradigm of balance that compartmentalizes faith, the author supports a rhythm of life that extends from a well-ordered heart and results in love (Ortberg, 2002). Finally, although Ortberg (2002) recognizes that challenges attempt to derail growth, he also observes that tests and trials often support the spiritual growth process.
REFLECTION
The author’s greatest strength may be his accessibility. More specifically, he is able to communicate important truths that are digestible to readers of various educational backgrounds. A specific strength is Ortberg’s careful avoidance of legalism while emphasizing the importance of the disciplines. Although the author sprinkles reminders throughout the book, the strongest argument against legalism occurs when stating that if spiritual growth can materialize “without the practice of any particular spiritual disciplines, then we should by all means skip them” (Ortberg, 2002, p. 45).
A significant weakness of the book is its ambiguity regarding regeneration and sanctification. Ortberg (2002) suggests ongoing sanctification is the purpose of the work and references Paul who wrote he was “in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (p. 14). The author then reinforces the assertion by stating that God “wants to make us new creatures” (Ortberg, 2002, p. 15). The inconsistency arises because orthodox theology suggests that the new creature status is a result of instantaneous regeneration (Erickson, p. 957). Ortberg does not clearly distinguish or relate the instantaneous new creature status of regeneration with the ongoing sanctification, which may cause confusion. For example, when discussing confession, Ortberg (2002) states, “We resolve that, with God’s help, we will change” (p. 138). One wonders if this means that the new creature status empowers personal responsibility, or that one’s effort is the change agent and with God’s help, he or she will become a new creature. The ambiguity is bothersome and has enormous ramifications for grace and obedience.
REFERENCES
Bonhoeffer, D. (2010). Letters and papers from prison. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
Erickson, M. J. (2007). Christian theology. (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Ortberg, J. (2002). The life you’ve always wanted: Spiritual disciplines for ordinary people. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Willard, D. (1991). The spirit of the disciplines: Understanding how God changes lives. San Francisco, CA: Harper San Francisco.