The Me I Want To Be by John Ortberg

The Me I want to Be by John Ortberg (2010) is a valuable resource for every individual. It is written in a light-hearted, conversational form, making it easy to digest the abundance of useful information. Throughout the text, the author shares real-life situations, making the material relatable, sometimes humorous, often convicting. You will discover yourself in the pages, people you know will come to mind, relationships that you engage in will be viewed slightly differently, and woven in between, challenges to become a better you. 

Among the many highlights is his ability to be genuine with the reader. With each page, you witness a humble servant who, like many, are striving toward Christlikeness. Practical personal assessments are provided throughout the book. One such assessment is unveiling “The Me I Don’t Want to Be” (p. 22). The author brings to light the different me in each of us; the one we pretend to be, think we should be, fail to be, and finally, the one we are meant to be. Assessing who we are is challenging but necessary to take part in transformation, where the inner self and character are being formed (p. 29). Further, the author encourages the reader to discover how you grow by examining desires, thoughts, and attitudes so that you can live in the flow of the Spirit to become “The Me I Want to Be” (Ortberg, 2010, p. 35).

Why does becoming a better you matter? Ortberg (2010) shares the idea that there is a battle between a flourishing self and a languishing self (p. 17). The goal of every Believer is to grow more and more into His image. This task is indeed challenging and laborious. Paul writes about the process in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (ESV). There will be things about yourself that you did not realize has taken up residence in your heart, or maybe you did but did not want to face the challenge of dealing with it. Ortberg (2010) lays out a plan of action in discovering your attitudes, desires, and hopes.

To become the person God wants, you must realize that working out problems and overcoming challenges is part of the process (p. 247). In Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV), Paul reminds followers of Christ to lay aside the old self; “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Becoming the person God intends will allow you to flourish personally and will ultimately benefit the Body of Christ and unbelievers.