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The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You
The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg---the bestselling author of When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box; God Is Closer Than You Think; and The Life You've Always Wanted---will help you discover spiritual vitality like never before as you learn to 'live in the flow of the spirit.' But if God has a perfect vision for your life, why does spiritual growth seem so difficult? John Ortberg has some intriguing answers to that question, and he has organized his thoughts and God's words into a straightforward and timely guide for living your best life in The Me I Want to Be. This book will show how God's perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise. All those who trust in God 'will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit' (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Ortberg urges you to recognize your brokenness, understand that God is the project manager, and follow His directions. The author first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides detailed tasks and exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit, circumventing real-world barriers---pain and sorrow, temptations, self-doubt, sin---to flourish even in a dark and broken world. As you start living in the flow, you will --- a deeper connection with God --- a growing sense of joy --- an honest recognition of your brokenness --- less fear, more trust --- a growing sense of being 'rooted in love' --- a deeper sense of purpose God invites you to join Him in crafting an abundant and joy-filled life. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept His invitation.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published December 4, 2009
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4315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
October 30, 2018
John Ortberg is an amazing writer. His heart for God and knowledge of the Word is evident on every page of his books. This particular volume was very inspiring and challenging.
September 26, 2024
Asta numesc eu cartea potrivită la momentul potrivit!
January 5, 2011
It was hard to get over the title. Really hard.
But I could definitely see the book as a helpful primer for the Evangelical, wary of tradition, to come in contact with a few new (actually old) ideas. It's almost like Ortberg is making an attempt at spiritual direction, in the traditional sense, through the written word. Not ultimately surprising, considering the book I've read by him, The Life You've Always Wanted, is about the disciplines of the Faith.
In some ways, although Ortberg's humor is endearing, the book wasn't stylistically my favorite. Parts of the book seemed completely unnecessary. But then, parts were also strikingly meaningful. The section on work was particularly interesting, and I may return to it again later. And primarily, though it may just be because of where I am personally, the book forced me to reconsider some of the patterns I've fallen into and make a movement toward growth.
But I could definitely see the book as a helpful primer for the Evangelical, wary of tradition, to come in contact with a few new (actually old) ideas. It's almost like Ortberg is making an attempt at spiritual direction, in the traditional sense, through the written word. Not ultimately surprising, considering the book I've read by him, The Life You've Always Wanted, is about the disciplines of the Faith.
In some ways, although Ortberg's humor is endearing, the book wasn't stylistically my favorite. Parts of the book seemed completely unnecessary. But then, parts were also strikingly meaningful. The section on work was particularly interesting, and I may return to it again later. And primarily, though it may just be because of where I am personally, the book forced me to reconsider some of the patterns I've fallen into and make a movement toward growth.
November 14, 2012
Forgive the cheeseball-title, and this is a wonderful book. I read this book over a couple of weeks, just a chapter or two a night, and it gave me something uplifting, inspiring, and calming to enjoy as I went to sleep. So many books in this genre are much too preachy, or their biblical interpretations end up being very skewed, or too desert-dry to get past the first page. Not "Me". Here are a few of my favorite quotes: "You are not your handiwork; your life is not your project. Your life is God's project. God thought you up, and he know what you were intended to be." "Some people think that if they seek to grow spiritually they will have to become someone else. But God won't discard your raw material." "God doesn't make anything and then decide to throw it away. He creates, and then if there is a problem, he rescues." "One of the most misquoted 'verses' you will never find in the Bible is this one: 'God will never give me more than I can handle.' Huh? Are you kidding me? Where is that one? Poverty, holocausts, genocide, war -- people are given more than they can handle all the time!... You will never be placed in a situation God can't handle."
September 16, 2021
John Ortberg m-a surprins plăcut prin modul simplu, accesibil și rezonabil de a explica și exemplifica viața trăită în plinătatea Duhului. Atinge aspecte practice ale vieții cotidiene și îndeamnă cititorul la analiză și cunoaștere de sine, pentru a putea ajunge la ceea ce Dumnezeu l-a intenționat să fie. Pentru cei care împart viața în cea spirituală și cea materială, cartea poate avea un efect de iluminare. Viața trebuie trăită în plinătatea și complexitatea ei, căutând a avea parte de toate experientele umane care ne aduc creștere. O trăire holistică și intenționată poate să ne vindece de religiozitatea insipidă și rigidă în care ne aflăm și în care ne simțim vinovați că nu găsim satisfacție.
Nu e o carte sofisticată sau cu idei pe care la prima lectură să nu le înțelegi, și nici nu pretinde a fi. De aceea nici nu trebuie comparată cu topul cărților în teologie. Tocmai lipsa caracterului ezoteric e ceea ce face această carte bună și o recomand cu căldură celor cărora le e greu să găsească distracția și plăcerea în creștinismul lor.
Nu mă așteptam să îmi placă așa o carte, dar a ajuns pe mâna mea la momentul potrivit.
Nu e o carte sofisticată sau cu idei pe care la prima lectură să nu le înțelegi, și nici nu pretinde a fi. De aceea nici nu trebuie comparată cu topul cărților în teologie. Tocmai lipsa caracterului ezoteric e ceea ce face această carte bună și o recomand cu căldură celor cărora le e greu să găsească distracția și plăcerea în creștinismul lor.
Nu mă așteptam să îmi placă așa o carte, dar a ajuns pe mâna mea la momentul potrivit.
June 14, 2021
This was such a wonderful book. I hadn’t yet read anything by Ortberg, but my church frequently uses his quotes, and our former senior pastor (who is now retired), once told us we should read all of his books, because they’re just so good (he mentioned John Eldredge too, and I’ve read a couple of his books and he’s also great).
I was worried this would be a book of “shoulds”. You “should” do this, you “should” do that, and then you’ll be better. But it’s just the opposite. Ortberg shows how God meets us where we are at, and our growth comes not from our trying harder, but from our leaning into the Spirit. This was a refreshing, life giving book, that really gave me a new perspective on some things. I will certainly be reading more Ortberg going forward.
Definitely recommend. ☺️
I was worried this would be a book of “shoulds”. You “should” do this, you “should” do that, and then you’ll be better. But it’s just the opposite. Ortberg shows how God meets us where we are at, and our growth comes not from our trying harder, but from our leaning into the Spirit. This was a refreshing, life giving book, that really gave me a new perspective on some things. I will certainly be reading more Ortberg going forward.
Definitely recommend. ☺️
April 13, 2012
Fabulous book. I can't express how wonderful and useful it has been to me! The ME I Want to Be is a fresh look on all the aspects of Christian life, with the basis that God needs to change our hearts first to work through our outer lives. It's such a great message, because so many books today are focused on fixing our ACTIONS, rather than getting to the heart of the problem. Ortberg provides many specific points about living the Christian life, but he makes it very clear that to truly be changed you have to go to God himself and get connected with him ("in the flow").
His ideas are like a breath of fresh air! They are true, honest, and clear, but he is also very humorous and uses lots of stories to make his point. It's both entertaining and inspiring. He isn't afraid to cut straight to the heart of the problem, but it is not in the accusing tone so many Christian thinkers have. It is as if he is on the journey with us-- messing up and needing grace-- because he is. That is what makes this book so powerful-- because he writes from experience. He is not afraid to be honest.
Many Christian books promise the answers to life and revolutionary ideas that will change us should we just read the next 300 pages. However, The Me I want to Be really does reach the level of inspiration it promises-- it is not emotion based, but rather solid logic we can actually hang on to and practice in our lives. It's a book everyone needs to read-- it doesn't solve all of life's problems, but it sure does put you on the right track. I highly recommend this book!
His ideas are like a breath of fresh air! They are true, honest, and clear, but he is also very humorous and uses lots of stories to make his point. It's both entertaining and inspiring. He isn't afraid to cut straight to the heart of the problem, but it is not in the accusing tone so many Christian thinkers have. It is as if he is on the journey with us-- messing up and needing grace-- because he is. That is what makes this book so powerful-- because he writes from experience. He is not afraid to be honest.
Many Christian books promise the answers to life and revolutionary ideas that will change us should we just read the next 300 pages. However, The Me I want to Be really does reach the level of inspiration it promises-- it is not emotion based, but rather solid logic we can actually hang on to and practice in our lives. It's a book everyone needs to read-- it doesn't solve all of life's problems, but it sure does put you on the right track. I highly recommend this book!
September 26, 2013
Every time I picked up from where I left off, I somehow always found the answer to a question that's been lingering in my mind for days. It's weird. This book has some really insightful thoughts into the patterns we take regarding our spirituality, and ways to get back into 'the flow'. I especially loved and learned a lot from the chapter on "trying softer". I'd totally recommend this book to anyone at a spiritual plateau or stuck with a disintegrated approach.
June 2, 2014
I don't think I have been so disappointed by a book for a long time. There are one or two parts of this which are worth holding on to but on the whole this is a too-simple 'self-help' book for evangelical Christians who want to be told how great they are, and how everything about them and what they do can be turned round to make it sound like God is totally backing them too - racing fast cars, spending every waking hour on your job, loving every mouthful that passes your lips etc. etc. If you've been told 'that's not good for you/your family/the planet' then don't worry because this book will give you a way of seeing things which means you don't have to think about changing a thing. I used to like John Ortberg's take on things, not any more.
May 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book but didn't care much for the title - it sounded like a bad self-help book.
Otherwise this book is full of wonderful pieces of useful information. For example, I loved the following quotes from the book:
"God's plan is not just to be saved by grace - it is for us to live by grace."
"The main measure of your devotion to God is not your devotional life, it is simply your life. "
"Never worry alone. One of the most powerful ways to stop the spiral of worry is simply to disclose my worry to a friend. "
Otherwise this book is full of wonderful pieces of useful information. For example, I loved the following quotes from the book:
"God's plan is not just to be saved by grace - it is for us to live by grace."
"The main measure of your devotion to God is not your devotional life, it is simply your life. "
"Never worry alone. One of the most powerful ways to stop the spiral of worry is simply to disclose my worry to a friend. "
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2022
Read this for a required Spiritual Formation course at an evangelical non-denominational university (online class). Standard popular Christian self-help fare; not without good insights, but this kind of book has never really done it for me. I receive much more revelation and inspiration from sinking my teeth into weighty works of theology, exegesis, and spiritual autobiography.
June 25, 2025
In the words of Andrew Hager, a book that can only be described as ‘humane.’ Felt like God putting His arm around me and reminding me of the abundant life we get to live in Christ. Highly recommend!!
March 16, 2024
I don’t think an individualistic approach is it.
We don’t need to be “you-ier.”
We don’t need to be “you-ier.”
January 14, 2012
I have read this in small chunks over a number of months, as a kind of devotional book. This has helped me to absorb the different points John Ortberg makes along the way. I found quite a few gems in here- I really liked his take on "surrender" - the one decision that really helps. "I do not have to control the outcomes of my life- there is a God, it is not me!" And the next chapter on "trying softer" was also very thought-provoking: "Faith does not need to push the river because faith is able to trust that there is a river. The river is flowing. We are in it" (quote from Richard Rohr). A helpful chapter too on coping with adversity- and still holding on to hope as opposed to despair when we are in the midst of difficult circumstances. He quotes Julian of Norwich: "God did not say you shall know no storms, no travails, no disease. He said "You shall not be overcome". Some of the chapters didn't quite resonate for me, but overall there was lots here to encourage my faith and spur me on without making me feel guilty for the things I was not doing!!
August 5, 2011
The day I finished this book I turned to page one and started all over again. This is a book to read in small bites, not to gobble all at once. There is so much to digest. It doesn't matter how many days it sits on my shelf, whenever I reopen this book, there is something that speaks to me - a lesson waiting - it seems - just for me. But when I start chatting about striving to be the best me God created me to be with friends, I find Ortberg's message is for everyone. God created you as a beautiful unique individual, with certain talents, gifts and capabilities. You were not designed to be like anyone else or to compete with anyone else or to compare yourself with anyone else. You were designed to let your own facets shine with the brilliance God gave you. Definately worth reading to remind yourself of this amazing gift and striving to use it the way God intended.
August 10, 2018
The premise for John Ortberg’s book, The Me I Want to Be : becoming God’s best version of me, is that the most important task of your life is not what you do, but who you become. God is in the business of making us the best version of ourselves. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are not our handiwork; our lives are not our projects. We are to become the person God had in mind when he created us.
John shares two questions which helps us assess the well-being of our souls.
1. Am I growing more easily discouraged these days? If peace is growing in me, I am less easily discouraged.
2. Am I growing more easily irritated these days? If love is growing, I am less easily irritated.
The rest of the book is about developing spiritual disciplines, but not spiritual disciplines as we know them. Rather John looks at the uniquely different ways people grow spiritually and encourages his reader to find their own spiritual path which will help them become the person God intends. There is no simple, three-step guide to spiritual growth, God wants us to have a unique relationship with him so there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Like all John’s books, he intersperses his teaching with funny anecdotes and witty comments.
A good read.
John shares two questions which helps us assess the well-being of our souls.
1. Am I growing more easily discouraged these days? If peace is growing in me, I am less easily discouraged.
2. Am I growing more easily irritated these days? If love is growing, I am less easily irritated.
The rest of the book is about developing spiritual disciplines, but not spiritual disciplines as we know them. Rather John looks at the uniquely different ways people grow spiritually and encourages his reader to find their own spiritual path which will help them become the person God intends. There is no simple, three-step guide to spiritual growth, God wants us to have a unique relationship with him so there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Like all John’s books, he intersperses his teaching with funny anecdotes and witty comments.
A good read.
May 25, 2017
I am a big fan of John Ortberg, and this book is another reason why. In this book, he applies biblical knowledge to everyday situations and challenges. Becoming the best "you" you can be is God's plan for you, and following these principles will bring tremendously more peace, harmony and happiness to your life and relationships. He is equal parts intelligent, charming and winsome. He does not dumb down or simplify the themes, but illustrates them in a way that makes you understand how profound and valuable the truth is which he is discussing/teaching. As Ortberg points out, it's all about your relationship with God and the Holy Spirit flowing through you. Reading this book will help you learn how you can achieve these! Highly recommended!
August 25, 2021
I read this book a few years ago and was surprised at how much I liked it on second reading. The author has a cheerful tone and makes some corny jokes, but I found some of his points thought-provoking and insightful. I’d like this book to impact my life, if that gives you any indication of its worth.
November 11, 2023
The stories told in this book really opened my understanding to the principles taught. In a way that helped move the knowledge from my head to my heart. Some non-fiction books I read can make me feel a bit anxious but The Me I Want to Be is filled with grace and truth, teaching gently.
January 3, 2025
I'm so thankful this book was introduced to me. I have struggled my whole life with my feelings of inadequacy towards my faith. Parts of this book reached those deep fears that I'm just not good enough to be called a Christian. I look forward to the study that I'll be doing in my Sunday school class that will help strengthen and deepen what I have learned in this book.
April 5, 2020
Was moeilijk om in te komen en geen boek om lekker weg te lezen. Je moet hier rustig voor gaan zitten. Als je dat eenmaal doet, is het een eyeopener!
May 20, 2024
While I am not a religious person, I found this book hilarious and comforting. Most of suggestions work for anyone and are quite sane. Yeah, and it’s actually funny.
October 12, 2022
Goofy title, solid book. 7/10
October 8, 2025
Just freedom and encouragement
April 14, 2017
This book is amazing. It's become an annual read for me.
February 9, 2017
"Ironically, becoming this person will never happen if my primary focus is on me, just as no one becomes happy if their main goal is to be happy. God made you to flourish, but flourishing never happens by looking out for "number one." It is tied to a grander and nobler vision. The world badly needs wise and flourishing human beings, and we are called to bring God's wisdom and glory to the world. The truth is, those who flourish always bring blessing to others -- and they can do so in the most unexpected and humble circumstances."
"Every once in a while you do something that surprises you and catch a glimpse of the person you were made to be. "
"Your flourishing self pours blessings into relationships. You find other people to be a source of wonder. They often bring you energy. When you are with them, you listen deeply. You are struck by their dreams. You bless. You are able to disclose your own thoughts and feelings in a way that invites openness in others. You quickly admit your errors, and you freely forgive."
""The me God made me to be" is measured by my capacity to love. When we live in love, we flourish. That is the dance."
"If peace is growing in me, I am less easily discouraged. If love is growing, I am less easily irritated."
"What I was really dying to was a false self, an illusion of misplaced pride, ego and neediness -- the me I thought I was supposed to be."
"The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. There is an enormous difference between following rules and following Jesus, because I can follow rules without cultivating the right heart."
"Every once in a while you do something that surprises you and catch a glimpse of the person you were made to be. "
"Your flourishing self pours blessings into relationships. You find other people to be a source of wonder. They often bring you energy. When you are with them, you listen deeply. You are struck by their dreams. You bless. You are able to disclose your own thoughts and feelings in a way that invites openness in others. You quickly admit your errors, and you freely forgive."
""The me God made me to be" is measured by my capacity to love. When we live in love, we flourish. That is the dance."
"If peace is growing in me, I am less easily discouraged. If love is growing, I am less easily irritated."
"What I was really dying to was a false self, an illusion of misplaced pride, ego and neediness -- the me I thought I was supposed to be."
"The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. There is an enormous difference between following rules and following Jesus, because I can follow rules without cultivating the right heart."
March 16, 2025
Excellent. John Ortberg at his best, encouraging Christians - new or old - to be the best version of themselves rather than trying to live up to anyone else's ideals.
There are sections on finding our identity, redeeming our time, transforming our experience, and more. Personal anecdotes enliven the text, and the writing is encouraging, inspiring, and full of wisdom.
My only minor criticism is the rather tatty looking diagrams that are a mixture of computer-generated and (apparently) rather badly hand-drawn.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
There are sections on finding our identity, redeeming our time, transforming our experience, and more. Personal anecdotes enliven the text, and the writing is encouraging, inspiring, and full of wisdom.
My only minor criticism is the rather tatty looking diagrams that are a mixture of computer-generated and (apparently) rather badly hand-drawn.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
September 27, 2023
After growing in my Faith I realized how naive and vulnerable I was with not having a clear reading of the Bible in the aspect of reading the Bible Theologically and with Concordance to the full scriptures
Not what I expected. This is a new view on Christianity and our calling and walk with Christ. There are new idea's and new inspiration for the traveled Christian. I am pleased with this book and the format of communication the author used to illustrate his thoughts about the Me I want to Be. I like the challenge, "Ask for a Mountain" and I like how the author continued to place scripture to reinforce his ideas. A must read for Christians.
Not what I expected. This is a new view on Christianity and our calling and walk with Christ. There are new idea's and new inspiration for the traveled Christian. I am pleased with this book and the format of communication the author used to illustrate his thoughts about the Me I want to Be. I like the challenge, "Ask for a Mountain" and I like how the author continued to place scripture to reinforce his ideas. A must read for Christians.
April 18, 2011
I am not so sure God wants me to be the best version of me I can be so I can be happy... I believe we are called to find joy in the midst of difficulties and trials as well as strive for holiness.
This book could be summed up in two verses...
Rom 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This book could be summed up in two verses...
Rom 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
January 2, 2021
Ortberg has a wonderful writing style that is very readable and relatable. He can take a normal story about boarding an airplane and turn it into a vivid illustration with a spiritual application for your life. His books have notoriously cheesy titles that might be off putting for some, but the content is top shelf Brie.
I picked up this book in March and it just didn’t resonate with me, so I paused after a few chapters. I wasn’t in the best frame of mind, it was the early days of COVID-19, and I had other concerns that were weighing me down. But I picked it back up recently and every story just jumped off the page. It was exactly what I needed at this time. God knows.
I picked up this book in March and it just didn’t resonate with me, so I paused after a few chapters. I wasn’t in the best frame of mind, it was the early days of COVID-19, and I had other concerns that were weighing me down. But I picked it back up recently and every story just jumped off the page. It was exactly what I needed at this time. God knows.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews