The subtitle to John Ortberg’s book, called Steps, is: A guide to transforming your life when willpower isn’t enough. This gives the impression that the book is for everyone since willpower alone is never enough to transform our lives. Whoever we are and whatever our problem, we’re going to need God’s enabling.
However, the real audience for Steps is those with issues that affect their daily lives, which haven’t been resolved through regular spiritual disciplines. Normally, God through the process of sanctification, helps us to forgive, overcome anger and anxiety so that our lives begin to show the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Yet some are unable to find freedom from addictions or deep-seated issues that continue to dominate their lives. Steps is written for these people.
John Ortberg uses the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps program, which is normally used for those with substance addictions, to guide readers through the process of finding freedom from life-altering problems. Throughout the book, Ortberg writes about his problem of being addicted to the need to feel special for his giftedness. For Ortberg, approval isn’t just a nice thing to experience, it’s something he desperately needs to feel good about himself. This makes him sensitive to any hint of criticism and has caused him problems in his career and relationships as he has pursued the appearance of success rather than authenticity. Ortberg doesn’t reveal the particular details of the problems he caused, but it’s clear he has been through a very difficult time.
For general readers, there is much good teaching and sound advice in Steps. Ortberg has thoroughly researched his findings, as well as using personal illustrations and those of others. The book is well-written but, at times, more heavy-going than Ortberg’s other books. Personally, I found the early and later chapters were the most helpful.
Overall, a challenging and insightful read.
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