Book review: Abandon
Speakeasy Review
Abandon
by Tim Timberlake
Well, lately, most Christian books I pick up seem to disappoint or reiterate in another way the theme of running the race of righteousness. This book was no different.
I had hoped that this would be a book about abandoning oneself to the unending mercy and grace of God, I had hoped that it would talk about the wonders of letting go of fear and striving to walk along with Christ in reckless abandonment to His freedom. I hoped it would be about trusting in God instead of my own effort. It started out seeming to say some of that...Unfortunately, I found myself almost immediately writing questions in the margins and squirming in my seat. Old tapes started to play and spiritual junk started to creep back into my head. I had to put the book down and be done. For me, the content of this book would have been a giant step backward.
To be fair and honest, I did not read the whole book. My thoughts here are based on the presentation at the beginning of the book in the intro and 'phase one'.
My thoughts are not intended as a slam on the author, who by all accounts seems to be a dedicated fellow Christian and good guy. I have no doubt he wrote this book in love with a desire to encourage believers to pursue God more closely. I am certain it will speak to people and be a blessing for people who are feeling stuck in their life or faith.
I, personally, have long since given up on following steps to becoming more righteous or as Timberlake puts it, to 'reach the righteousness' I desire. My righteousness is not my own, so how on earth do I think I can 'reach it' or even cultivate it? It is a gift.
I, personally, no longer sweat about whether or not I am being obedient to God's 'perfect plan' and I don't rely on my obedience to keep away curses. To me that seems to be the antithesis of abandonment. If I have to worry about making sure I am hearing God correctly so that I am properly discerning his will for the perfect plan he has for me, I am still depending on me.
I have come to know my Papa as a loving God who seeks a relationship with me, so that we can enjoy one another, so I can share with others the wonders of His great love.
So much of today's Christian teaching presents him more as a puppet master - sure we have free will, but the goal is really to give up our freedom to become a willing marionette. I don't think that is what Jesus taught about his Father and I don't think that's what life is all about.
And there you have my two cents.
If you're in search of a book about how to abandon your will and get righteous, pick this one up. If you're kinda burned out on that whole deal then maybe look for another one.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
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