Become New with John Ortberg 33. The Two Things You MUST Do Today
Sep 22, 2021
A short, lively reflection on desires, showing how they can either derail or restore us. Listeners get two simple invitations: do one thing you crave and one thing you resist. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters provides the backdrop for warnings about ego, losing innocent tastes, and the need for deliberate action. The focus is on choice, transformation, and practicing small acts that shape the will.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Do Something Today Simply Because You Love It
- Do one thing today simply because you really want to do it.
- John Ortberg illustrates: read a book you love or walk in a favorite natural spot because the joy itself draws you toward God.
Desire Reclaimed Becomes True Self
- Desire can either pull you away from God when tied to ego or draw you toward God when oriented to goodness.
- Ortberg explains death to self means surrendering self-will so desires return as gifts and you become more yourself.
Losing Personal Likes Is A Spiritual Vulnerability
- C.S. Lewis (through Screwtape) warns that losing authentic personal tastes is a victory for temptation.
- Screwtape argues devils aim to eradicate harmless personal likings because disinterested enjoyment guards against subtle attacks.
