Being Human: How to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be

by Steve Chalke

A spirituality resource for individuals and churches, this is a book for those who long to make a difference in the world by living out their faith

"Your life is precious—a precious gift. It is sacred; every moment of it. The opportunity to live rather than sleepwalk through our days belongs to us. This book is a call to wake up. It is a call to each one of us; to wake up, to live before we die." It's easy to sleepwalk through life without ever really considering what we're here for. But life presents us with continual opportunities to wake up—and to think about not just what we do with our lives, but who we become while living them. Ultimately it is the story that we believe about ourselves, our lives, and the world around us that will shape us—for better or for worse. So where do we find a good story—a convincing narrative that makes sense of it all? Steve Chalke suggests that Jesus' good news about the kingdom of God—a practical, lived-out expression of God's plans for the world—is the best story for us to find ourselves in. Each one of us is called to be part of the drama of the coming kingdom, and it's in this that we find a practical spirituality that helps shape our lives into everything we were meant to be.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2015

About the author

Steve Chalke is a British Baptist minister, social entrepreneur, author, and speaker widely recognized for his work in promoting social inclusion and justice. He is the founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, an organization he launched in 1985 with the vision of building inclusive communities where everyone is valued and empowered. Under his leadership, Oasis has become one of the UK's largest charities, operating across a wide spectrum of services including housing, healthcare, education, and youth and community development—both in the UK and internationally.
Chalke's commitment to education is reflected in his founding of Oasis Community Learning, a multi-academy trust responsible for over 40 schools throughout England. The trust seeks to support not just academic achievement, but whole-community transformation through education. He also serves as the founding minister of Oasis Church Waterloo in central London, a place of welcome and inclusion for people of all backgrounds.
In 2006, Chalke launched Stop the Traffik, a global coalition working to end human trafficking through awareness, education, and systemic change. The organization has mobilized tens of thousands of activists in nearly 100 countries. His work in this field led to his appointment as a United Nations Special Adviser on Human Trafficking.
As an author, Chalke has written extensively on theology, faith, and social justice. His notable books include The Lost Message of Jesus, Apprentice: Walking the Way of Christ, and The Lost Message of Paul, among others. He has also written numerous articles and is a frequent speaker on topics related to spirituality, ethics, and public life.
In recognition of his tireless efforts, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to social inclusion and has received multiple honorary degrees and fellowships. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the most sponsorship money raised by an individual marathon runner, having raised over £2.3 million during the London Marathon.
Throughout his career, Steve Chalke has consistently challenged societal norms and church traditions in pursuit of compassion, equality, and justice, making him one of the most influential voices in contemporary British Christianity.

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 1 out of 5]

In this outreach/evangelistic book aimed in the post-christian context we live in, Chalke attempts to explain who human beings are meant to be, and how we live into the fullness as humans. Unfortunately, Chalke consistently misses the mark. At best, he gets close to describing the beautiful truth that human beings are created in the image of a great, holy, all-satisfying, loving, Sovereign God. But in reality, he drastically falls short of all of God's attributes. This is a book with a very small view of a grand God, and a very high view of human beings that are in desperate need for a Savior. His low view on the severity and consequences of sin, both personally, and cosmically, leave the second half of the book championing a works based salvation at best. However, the book falls short even in this, as Chalke describes no need for human beings, or the world to be reconciled and redeemed by God, no need for saving. What is left is simply self help and making humans feel like they can contribute and have purpose. But all of these are vanity separate from the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Other than a useful tool to discern what is good, true, and lasting in outside reading, this book serves no purpose.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book after watching the Chalke Talks. Both are wonderful. Mr Chalke has put into words some of the things I have been thinking for years and then expanded them into a coherent, vital and wonderful message. There are a few ideas I’m not sure about but even that is good because it makes you think.
God is love and Jesus is the embodiment of that message. Follow him.

[AJW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Let me tell you why.

When I was 18, I was challenged to look at Jesus - his life and teachings. I didn’t really want to, but reluctantly I did. And I fell in love. With Jesus and his way of doing things.

Essentially he put everything upside down - the poor are rich and the people at the bottom are top. Jesus painted a society where justice and truth were paramount. So I became a Christian and devoted myself to the church.

But slowly I discovered that many people in the church are devoted to the rich and making sure those at the bottom stay there. They give thoughts and prayers, but no money and zero fucks to people who suffer.

In reading this book, I felt that Steve Chalke was a kindred spirit. He loves the maverick Jesus who cared for the outcast and impoverished. Steve Chalke focusses on the teachings of Jesus and not some rich white evangelical preacher and showed me again why I fell in love with Jesus all those years ago.

[Phil Branigan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up just not my sort of thing too many mixed messages and contradictions early on reading should be a pleasure not a chore

[Pat Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book. Steve Chalke articulates things that I had been thinking for some time.

[I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the book that I needed to read, exactly when I needed to read it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a present from a friend. There were some things in there that I wasn't 100% in agreement with but I found it quite extraordinary and very engaging. I actually couldn't put it down and it's really helped me get a new perspective on my spiritual practice and faith.

Recommend it highly.

[Allison Le Marinel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book in a rush really and didn't have a clue what it was about. To my delight when I began reading it made me stop and look at my life and the purpose of it.
It is easy to read and contains many analogies which guide your thoughts and aid reflection.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a pause button and to just look at where you are.