Looking For God.

Book Review

Ortberg, Nancy. Looking For God. An unexpected journey through tattoos, tofu & pronouns. Tyndale. 2008

Comment. Henry
Nancy writes very candidly about personal spiritual journey and how she discovered/experienced God in her life. She asks some interesting, honest questions about some spiritual concepts that are widely accepted but probably not accurate, e.g. balance needs to characterize a believer’s life. Her point of view is that of a committed, serious evangelical. This resource is an easy read with thought provoking challenges.

It is a mistake to make spiritual life prescriptive, e.g. the quiet time. It cannot be made into a formula. There are unlimited ways and places where we can connect with God. (Amen.) Basic to ‘discovering God’ is an attitude of gratitude. Comparisons destroy our appreciation for the value of others and of our own value.

Community “is God’s people living together with God at their center”. (36) Does that mean community is limited to God’s people? Community is also inclusive. How does that fit with the above definition of community?

Work is not just a necessary part of life; it is a good thing especially as it has a serving focus. God is the God of the ordinary. “Balance is a myth.” (69) It is not biblical. The analogy of the Christian influence being salt and light is explored very practically.

We need to take great care that our talk about God does not contradict who He actually is. When we say that God gives us only that which we can handle that is not consistent with realities of life.

To have good intentions when we become aware of serious needs and then not carry them out is unacceptable. Our internal and external lives must be consistent. There must be authenticity.

“The way we hold our hands reveals a lot about our hearts.” (139) The Lord can give us open hands, e.g. Zacchaeus. All of life as we understand it improves as our knowledge of God and our awareness of God grows.