Book Review: True North

True North: Choosing God in the Frustrations of Life is a Christian Living book written by Gary Heim & Lisa Heim.  Whether our frustrations in life are big (such as cancer, death of a child, or a paralyzing car accident) or small (flat tire when you're already late for work, a toddler who doesn't sleep through the night, or an annoying colleague), the authors use God's Word to encourage readers to "Go North" toward God during those difficult times.  What is the other option?  "Going South" to the gods of grumbling & grasping which lead to bitterness, anxiety, anger, etc.

The book is organized clearly and effectively.  It begins with where we are: life is difficult!  But, through its frustrations, God is passionately pursuing the hearts of believers.  Part II discusses the responses of grumbling & grasping that take us South.  Instead of going South, turn North like Part III lays out.  The alliterative titles continue with "G" in grace, a great gift, gratitude, and giving as attitudes that will take us North to God.  Lastly, the authors encourage their readers to "Get It", "Grow It," and "Give It Away" in Part IV.  The 'G' theme is appealing and aids in reminding believers how to reorient their lives to God by showing them how to cling to Him when life is difficult.

Through many interesting and helpful examples from their counseling experiences or their own marriage, as well as the sinful people saved by faith in Christ of Scripture, the authors encourage readers with the truth that God has a purpose for the frustrations of life.  They are used by God to pursue us, His children, into a deeper relationship with Him.

Going South

"His [Jesus'] divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." II Peter 1:3

All our needs are met in Christ, as stated by the authors through II Peter 1:3, but we still grumble against the frustrations given to us in life.  Then we grasp for control.  Gary ever so helpfully identifies five ways we try to control our circumstances and brings to light all the lies that are beneath our grasping.  Identifying these encourages believers to put them death, trusting Christ instead of their own willpower.  I found this extremely helpful as the authors helped me identify areas in my own life that are taking me south to grumbling and grasping.

Going North
Once you have identified the frustrations in life that easily take you South, the Heims use God's truths from His Word to reorient their readers North.  They tell of God's amazing grace, through Jesus Christ, and encourage readers to rest in Him alone.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."  Ps. 62:5

Through this amazing grace, we have a great gift (title of chapter 7): a new life in Christ (II Cor. 5:17-18)!  With this new life, we are free to respond to God in gratitude (chapter 8).  Gray writes, "The heart of a surrendered life knows a core of peace and contentment in God and whatever he chooses to provide, even if the storms of life continue," (p. 158). 

I have been a Christian nearly my whole life, but the authors worded things in a unique, eye-opening way that was sweet to my soul.  For example, "Could anything have been more hopeless and discouraging than to see your Messiah die naked and bloodied beyond recognition on a criminal's cross?  Yet Jesus' death was the very means through which God was rescuing the world.  When we doubt God cares or that he's in control, we must remember that we do not see as God sees," (p. 136).  Often times, as in this case, sentences hit me in a powerful & encouraging way.

I enjoyed everything about this book until chapter 9 (Giving) thru the end (You-Turn section of "Getting It", "Growing It," and "Giving It Away: Mentoring Others").  At this point, the focus shifted from God to man.  It was here that their theology and mine parted ways.  This surprised me because I didn't find that in the beginning.  For example, Lisa discusses the need to "give back to God" (p. 179).   Contrastingly, the parable of the unworthy servant drives home the point that we aren't to try to give back to God (Luke 17:7-10).  Paul summarizes, "The God who made the world, and Lord of heaven and earth...is not served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything," (Acts 17:24-25).  Finally, Jesus doesn't command us to give back to God.  He came to serve us, not to be served by us (Mark 10:45).

Lisa also says that if we are bearing fruit, "Jesus informs us that we may come to him and ask for anything we want and it will be granted," (p. 179).  There is no Scripture reference for that comment.  She might be referring to John 15:16 or 16:23.  However, that verse isn't a blank check!  Truly, as image bearers of God, we were made to be in communion with Him; therefore, what we really ought to ask for (and what will be granted) is anything that will give us more of Him.

Another example of poor theology appears on pages 212-213.  Gary quotes Jeremiah 17:3:

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."

While he is correct in saying that in Christ we have a new heart, I disagree with him on when we receive that new heart.  Yes, Christ's righteousness is imputed into the hearts of believers, but that doesn't change everything about us...now.  It's true that we are new creations (II Cor. 5), but that doesn't mean that the old sinful ways are totally gone (Romans 7).  Our hearts can still be wicked and deceitful!

Positively, in the last section, the authors do encourage church attendance, accountability amongst believers (men to men, women to women) and a time devoted daily to prayer & bible reading.  I also found the self-examination and discussion questions to be helpful, particularly if this were done in a small group setting.

I would recommend this book to all believers who struggle with the frustrations in life that so easily bog us down.  It was helpful to me.  But be careful regarding its theology; by knowing God's Word you can find the truths of Christ to guide you through life's difficulties.