Most everything which comes from those working with the Catalyst vein of ministry is quality.[amazon_link id=”B008EGRETW” target=”_blank” ] Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are[/amazon_link] by Craig Groeschel is no exception.
Altar Ego is a play on words. We must take our own perception of our self and lay it on the altar, embracing the new version; God’s version of our identity.
Early on in the book, as Groeschel is telling his own story he says, “But for the first time in my life, I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I didn’t need to try harder. I didn’t need to turn over a new leaf. I didn’t need to pick myself up by my bootstraps and give myself a pep talk. I needed to die to myself. And to let Christ live in me.”
He shares about how God creates in us a new identity. Perhaps we have struggled with a tendency or addiction. God has the power to turn our weakness into a strength.
Not only will He change our identity, but God has the power to impart strength into us in a way we never imagined. Moses doubted both his leadership ability and his speaking talent, but God had bigger plans. Using humor and practical applications, Craig clearly challenges readers to embrace their new-found “ego” and allow God to build them into what He has planned.
Using the story of Joseph, the book demonstrates how even the preparation phases are valuable. Joseph never was excited to be in prison or even knew at the time where things were heading, but God did. We, like Joseph, have the benefit of an all-knowing God guiding us through even the most difficult times, working good because He knows which direction the future will head.
Our journey, or some would say battle, is to walk in our altar ego, rather than our former identity. This is not a one time event, but a lifetime of small events as we walk trusting our Creator. The battle between the flesh and the spirit could also be described as the tension between our egos and the new altar ego.
Groeschel recounts a piece of wisdom he received from a mentor, “You’ll very likely overestimate what God wants to do through you in the short run. But you will very likely underestimate what God wants to do for you in the long run.”
I’m glad God is on our side, building strength and guiding us towards a successful long run. What a picture of hope through which peace can come!
He goes on to talk about many applicable and challenging traits, covering topics from integrity to boldness to gratitude.
I recommend this book. It is a good read with deep insights in a page turning, thought-provoking way. It doesn’t hurt that he keeps you laughing along the way. Click on the image below to pick up a copy and embrace your Altar Ego!
[amazon_image id=”B008EGRETW” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are[/amazon_image]