HOW TO DITCH THE HOW-TO:
Embracing Grace in Place of
Self-Improvement
By Tieler Giles
The Good Book Co. 150 pages. £10
ISBN 978 1 802 541 304
In this accessible read, Giles – a former ‘self-help fanatic’, testifies to the better way of Grace over trying and failing to ‘improve’ through ‘self-help’.
Giles does this by taking the classic ‘selfimprovement’ mantras of our day, sharing her own failures, exposing deception, and applying the truths of Gospel Grace – a better way to embrace.
The book is broken into three broad sections; Striving; Searching and Surrendering which chart something of Giles own journey of growth. These sections are broken into ten chapters which focus on different areas where ‘self-help’ fails, and Grace wins.
Under ‘Striving’, Giles tackles 1. Change; 2. The Problem; 3. The Plan; and 4. The Dilemma. Self-Help-Striving is shown to be deficient and short-lived. Whereas Grace is found to be truly sufficient and infinite in supply. Under ‘Searching’, Giles tackles 5. Don’t Worry, Be Happy; 6. Power up; 7. Identity Matters; and 8. Endless Love. Self-Help-Searching for satisfaction through Happiness, Strength, Identity and Love is shown to be deficient and disappointing. Whereas Grace is found to be sufficient and satisfying. Under ‘Surrendering’, Giles tackles 9. Let Go; and 10. Seek First. This practical section shows how to let go of old ‘self-help’ habits and embrace Grace found in seeking Jesus above all else.
In each section the gospel is winsomely applied to ‘self-help’ struggles familiar to many Western Christians. A helpful diagnostic tool with a clear way forward pointing to Jesus.
I am guessing that this would have greater appeal to women, though not exclusively, and the young Christian or teenager may be greatly helped to journey with Giles in embracing Grace.
