Book Review: How People Change

I have been reading How People Change, by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp (Greensboro, NC:  New Growth Press, 2006).  The book does not offer a method like a 12-step program, nor does it give simple answers.  Instead, it points the reader to the importance of pursuing Christ himself.  Although principles for behavior, theological systems, therapy, goals, etc., all have use and value, trying to use them apart from the pursuit of Christ will only affect the symptoms of our problems.  Jesus has taken us to himself as his own delight and special possession, as his beloved and his bride.  Any way of life that does not respond to His presence, his love, his pursuit of us, will necessarily mire us in futility, frustration, and even disaster.

The book has a somewhat dense style, but it gives great encouragement by examining the necessity and possibility of pursuing the Christ who pursues us.  It helps construct a frame of mind in which to hear Christ and follow after him.  It examines and analyzes common stumbling blocks that interfere with that pursuit.  It gives help along the way.

I finished chapter 4 this morning.