Mike 
Like me, you probably have many books on your reading list. My list is full of books that I “ought” to read. They were given to me by a friend or they relate to a project that I’m working on or they will help me keep up with the latest trends. Hence the “ought.” But this month, I got to read a book, and I’m glad that I did.
John Ortberg’s Soul Keeping offers penetrating thoughts about Caring for the Most Important Part of You (the book’s subtitle). In many ways, the book is a tribute to Dallas Willard, whose mentoring had a profound impact on Ortberg over many years. Whether Ortberg was soaring or was in crisis, Willard consistently asked deep questions about the state of his protege’s soul. It is these questions, and the learnings from them, that shape the book.
Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (Luke 9:25). Unfortunately, even Christ-following leaders can be so busy pursuing success that they neglect their souls. The central message of Soul Keeping is that life with God is far more satisfying for our souls than any kind of success.
Ortberg communicates this message with humor and seriousness, and with many stories of his own soul journey. Some of my favorite quotes are:
- I had always thought that a lost soul referred to the soul’s destination, not its condition.
- If your soul is healthy, no external circumstance can destroy your life. If your soul is unhealthy, no external circumstance can redeem your life.
- The “with God” life is not a life of more religious activities or devotions or trying to be good. It is a life of inner peace and contentment for your soul with the maker and manager of the universe.
- A very simple way to guard your soul is to ask yourself, “Will this situation block my soul’s connection to God?”
