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44 reviews for:
The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can't Get Their ACT Together
Jared C. Wilson
4.39 AVERAGE
44 reviews for:
The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can't Get Their ACT Together
Jared C. Wilson
4.39 AVERAGE
I found the style of this book really difficult to engage with. There seemed to be a lack of clear structure at times; the chapters were a mish-mash of personal anecdotes, comments and observations from the Bible. I would have liked more clarity in where the author was going and what the present chapter was aiming to do. Jared C. Wilson's written style is very conversational (which I know will appeal to many people), however I personally found this made it harder to focus on what was being said.
As a general comment on content, the book was heavily weighted on the Christian's need to rest in what God has done, is doing, and will do, rather than focusing on imperatives. However, Wilson doesn't omit or overlook the fact that the Christian walk involves putting in effort. I would have liked to have seen the latter point expounded upon, however I understand that it was probably the author's intention to write a book for people who need to hear the former.
There were also elements which I greatly appreciated. Reading this book demonstrated to me how Christian books are a very real part of being built up by the family of God and part of a community of believers (even if the authors and readers might not meet this side of heaven). It felt like sitting down to talk with one of my brothers in Christ. I could relate to the author's experiences and struggles and found his (very) down-to-earth approach refreshing. It was like talking to a real messy person in the real messy world, as opposed to some Christian books which only focus on concepts and ideals. (I'm not saying the latter is a bad thing but that the change in style, in that sense, was welcome). It was a practical reminder that reading Christian literature isn't just an intellectual activity but that it should point our hearts to God and spur us on in our relationship with Him.
As a general comment on content, the book was heavily weighted on the Christian's need to rest in what God has done, is doing, and will do, rather than focusing on imperatives. However, Wilson doesn't omit or overlook the fact that the Christian walk involves putting in effort. I would have liked to have seen the latter point expounded upon, however I understand that it was probably the author's intention to write a book for people who need to hear the former.
There were also elements which I greatly appreciated. Reading this book demonstrated to me how Christian books are a very real part of being built up by the family of God and part of a community of believers (even if the authors and readers might not meet this side of heaven). It felt like sitting down to talk with one of my brothers in Christ. I could relate to the author's experiences and struggles and found his (very) down-to-earth approach refreshing. It was like talking to a real messy person in the real messy world, as opposed to some Christian books which only focus on concepts and ideals. (I'm not saying the latter is a bad thing but that the change in style, in that sense, was welcome). It was a practical reminder that reading Christian literature isn't just an intellectual activity but that it should point our hearts to God and spur us on in our relationship with Him.
I Don’t Have It Together
In a season when I don’t have my act together, damaged by recent events of lost health, job, security, and identity, Jared’s book really, really resonates. Simple statements, little reminders, sound teaching. It has provided a spark. This is a great resource for those who, like me, are simply stuck—paralyzed—between giving in to self and being rescued from self.
In a season when I don’t have my act together, damaged by recent events of lost health, job, security, and identity, Jared’s book really, really resonates. Simple statements, little reminders, sound teaching. It has provided a spark. This is a great resource for those who, like me, are simply stuck—paralyzed—between giving in to self and being rescued from self.
If you've ever been stuck in the endless cycle of doing yet feeling it's never enough, or not doing and feeling like a failure, this book is for you. Jared Wilson's book reads like a conversation with a friend. He does not set himself up on a pedestal but rather sits beside us in the trenches. I think he does a great job of coupling resting in the gospel news 'It is finished' with our call to obedience and emphasizing that 'having our act together' is not the story of the Bible. He says, Dos and don’ts accomplish nothing resembling biblical Christianity when they are detached from the done of the gospel. The gospel gives us oxygen and space to breathe.
I found this book convicting- not in a way that makes me feel guilty but in a way that gives freedom, not scolding from someone who doesn't understand but encouragement from someone who gets it and admits it. It's not a 10 step plan to successful faith. It's the message that we are free to obey and free to fail because our salvation is not dependent on anything we have done, are doing, or will do. It's great to be reminded of that!
There were so many parts of this book that resonated with me- a new perspective, a bold proclamation, a challenge to the way we live. It acknowledges the struggle of following Jesus, encourages us where we are, and reminds us that it's worth it.
One of his chapters talks about Galatians 6 where there are two lists in contrast- one is the works of the flesh (basically every sin imaginable) and the second is the fruit of the spirit. He says, "If we can take anything away from a blunt comparison of the lists, it might be this: the solution to bad things we do isn’t good things to do but good things to be... the primary problem with so many approaches to Christian discipleship [is that] they are predicated primarily on doing different rather than becoming different." He goes on to talk about each fruit of the Spirit and how each characteristic God commands of us, he actually gives to us in abundance!
Maybe, like me, you need to hear this: "... no matter how you feel, if you are a follower of Jesus you are never truly stuck. The Spirit is doing a million things in your heart and with your life, and while the theme song of your spiritual life may seem more like ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ than ‘We Are the Champions,’ you are indeed growing..." And that is what discipleship is: letting God grow us into what he wants us to be, by his power.
I think this is an important book to read to grasp what discipleship (following Jesus) really means. I think it's one I'll want to return to every time I feel stuck in a rut, focused on the checklist, and questioning if I'm doing enough.
See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!
I found this book convicting- not in a way that makes me feel guilty but in a way that gives freedom, not scolding from someone who doesn't understand but encouragement from someone who gets it and admits it. It's not a 10 step plan to successful faith. It's the message that we are free to obey and free to fail because our salvation is not dependent on anything we have done, are doing, or will do. It's great to be reminded of that!
There were so many parts of this book that resonated with me- a new perspective, a bold proclamation, a challenge to the way we live. It acknowledges the struggle of following Jesus, encourages us where we are, and reminds us that it's worth it.
One of his chapters talks about Galatians 6 where there are two lists in contrast- one is the works of the flesh (basically every sin imaginable) and the second is the fruit of the spirit. He says, "If we can take anything away from a blunt comparison of the lists, it might be this: the solution to bad things we do isn’t good things to do but good things to be... the primary problem with so many approaches to Christian discipleship [is that] they are predicated primarily on doing different rather than becoming different." He goes on to talk about each fruit of the Spirit and how each characteristic God commands of us, he actually gives to us in abundance!
Maybe, like me, you need to hear this: "... no matter how you feel, if you are a follower of Jesus you are never truly stuck. The Spirit is doing a million things in your heart and with your life, and while the theme song of your spiritual life may seem more like ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ than ‘We Are the Champions,’ you are indeed growing..." And that is what discipleship is: letting God grow us into what he wants us to be, by his power.
I think this is an important book to read to grasp what discipleship (following Jesus) really means. I think it's one I'll want to return to every time I feel stuck in a rut, focused on the checklist, and questioning if I'm doing enough.
See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!
Such a fantastic book that emphasized the importance of realizing we don't have it together and how that opens us up to God working in our lives and community all the more.
This is another book I wish I had written myself. It's so encouraging and so grace filled.
I recommend this highly!
I recommend this highly!
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I will review it in detail later but READ THIS BOOK.
I’m usually pretty conservative with giving five-star ratings. Not so with this one as it’s one of the best I’ve read over the past few years. Incredibly refreshing, challenging, and encouraging. Thankful for Wilson’s honesty, and transparency throughout. Couldn’t recommend this enough.
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced