UNSTUCK
A nine-step journey to change that lasts
By Tim Lane
The Good Book Company. 138 pages. £8.99
ISBN 978 1 784 983 680
In this book Tim Lane practically addresses the question of how Christians can become more like Christ in areas where they feel change is difficult or even unachievable.
This short and accessible book gives nine clear and sequential steps for change that are rooted in the truths of the Bible and the author’s extensive experience as a biblical counsellor.
Lane’s particular focus is toward discouraged Christians who are aware that their faith should bring about change in their own lives and yet struggle to overcome specific behaviours and habits. Practical counselling techniques are introduced to show the reader how to take biblical truths and use them in a way that they can relate to God in their struggle and bring about lasting change.
Not a ‘self-help’ book
The concept of a nine-step plan to achieve change may, for some readers, cause concern that the book will read like a self-help guide. From the outset however, Lane acknowledges that we cannot change ourselves and this truth is helpfully repeated throughout the book. The author’s first section encourages the reader to get grounded in their relationship with Christ. Lane emphasises that it is only from this security in God’s grace that Christians are in a position to confront sin in their lives. He also reminds us of the work of the Holy Spirit in showing us that we belong to God and so need not be fearful that He will give up on his children.
The subsequent sections encourage readers to understand themselves and the biological, psychological and social context in which they are acting. These sections give most reference to psychological theory, particularly in relation to personality and emotional intelligence. Lane’s ability to bring together psychological theory with biblical truth is a particular strength of the book, and in this section there is a focus on encouraging the reader to have a realistic view of change in their own life.
However, there is a slight danger here that in focusing on self-awareness the reader could be encouraged towards an unhealthy introspection that excuses certain behaviours instead of focusing on the Bible’s detailed description of the sin found in all of our hearts. Therefore, this section may perhaps be most helpfully read with a trustworthy friend who can give an objective and honest opinion of the reader’s heart.
The second half of the book explains how to apply biblical truth to a specific situation or decision. In these rich and encouraging chapters, Lane reminds his readers that change is all about relationship with Christ and unpacks what it means to be united to Him. He argues that union with Christ is the key to everything, as Christians are both legally and personally in a right relationship with God and so have the privilege of relating to Christ in the middle of each struggle. Here the author effectively brings the reader’s thoughts back to the many blessings that Christians already have because of Jesus and the underlying motivation to continue to want to change.
Realistic perspective
Lane ends the book with a realistic perspective on what change can be expected to look like within a wider context, and reflects on how true and lasting change requires meaningful relationships with others. He usefully acknowledges that change may be slow and yet encourages his readers that growth in grace must be specific and concrete. This may be an unfamiliar challenge in our current culture and yet Lane insightfully argues that this is only right since sin and disobedience are also specific and concrete.
This book would be a helpful read for all Christians, as Lane encourages his readers that change is not only possible in relationship with Christ but desirable. The majority of this book is practical and, as such, the reader will be most helped by approaching the book with a particular struggle in mind. Although each section is short, time should be given for the reader to meditate and reflect on what has been discussed; questions are given at the end of each section to facilitate this.
