I am naturally drawn to bargains, so I noticed that the SBTS LifeWay campus store was selling Tim Keller’s small book The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy for only $1.99. But I thought there must not be much to it since they’re selling it so cheap. My dad bought a copy and when I asked him about it later, he said it was a must read. Taking his recommendation I bought it and read it. I found the book to be a gospel-liberating tract with the potential to transform lives. After reading the book, I immediately passed it on to my wife and encouraged her to read it. She did and shared my assessment. I have since given out approximately 25 copies to church members. I am encouraging everyone I know to read it, because it is just that helpful.

In this short work which is profoundly simple in its structure, Keller breaks down 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7 in three concise chapters. First, Keller correctly diagnoses the problem that most of us have of a latent self-centeredness. Second, Keller paints the biblical portrait of what a transformed self would look like. Finally, and most helpfully, Keller explains how we can get this transformed-view of self. With clinical precision this book will diagnose the problem which plagues most of us as Christian, but it will not leave us there. In typical Keller fashion, we are shown the difference that the gospel can make in our lives. That’s what makes this little book potentially life-changing, its gospel-centered approach to the human condition. I can’t recommend this work strongly enough. Pick up a copy for yourself and then be sure and pass it on to others. It’s that good!

If you can’t get to the LifeWay campus store at SBTS, you can get a print copy or Kindle edition (for only $0.99) from Amazon.com.