Become New with John Ortberg Episode 19 - Why Dying is Worth It
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Mar 15, 2021 A reflective talk about surrendering inner corruptions and why radical change may require letting parts of us die. It uses C.S. Lewis’s allegory of a ghost and a lizard to explore the struggle to choose transformation. It examines how self-deception protects bad habits and why willing surrender opens the way for renewed life.
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Ghost And Lizard Allegory Of Sin
- John Ortberg retells C.S. Lewis's allegory of a ghost carrying a lizard that represents a destructive desire.
- The ghost resists killing the lizard because he fears losing his identity and pleasures, illustrating human reluctance to surrender faults.
Change Requires Our Permission
- Only God can change us but he will not liberate us without our willing permission and surrender.
- Ortberg emphasizes that divine transformation requires our consent, not unilateral divine coercion.
Lizard Killed Then Transformed Into Stallion
- In Lewis's story the angel kills the lizard and the ghost is painfully transformed into a solid, vibrant man.
- After death the lizard becomes a magnificent stallion and the man rides it toward the mountains of life and God.
