Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?: Replace Deadly Vices with Life-Giving Virtues (How 10 Biblical Virtues Can Help You Get Unstuck & Overcome the Cycle of Self-Destructive Bad Habits)

It’s convicting, inspiring, and speaks the Word all at once. And also gives practical application. I feel like it’s written as a great encompassing sermon, which I like.

What a read! JP is a talented, spirit-filled writer and this book is full of biblical truth presented in a relatable, applicable way. For anyone feeling stagnant in their faith or wanting to dig deeper, identify patterns in your life, and make meaningful, eternal changes in your life, this book is for you! I really enjoyed how JP weaved vulnerable stories from his own life and experiences throughout the book to illustrate the battles we face in each chapter.As a therapist, this book has not only helped me in my faith and walk with Christ, it's a book I have recommended and will continue to recommend to the clients I work with. This is a book you will want to read again at different points in your life as it is packed with truth. As your life experiences change and different struggles and challenges hit you, reading this book again and again will help encourage you in different ways to fight these battles we face as Christ followers living in 2023.

This book was insightful and honest. This was also the first book I've read from Pokluda, but I would read from this author again. I would definitely recommend this to those who have areas in their lives that need a sobering perspective shift about overcoming the old and the new temptations.

“Like a moth to a flame, a baboon to a termite mound, or a dog to his vomit….we find ourselves drawn to the modern pleasures of the world.” (Paraphrased) This book is about those deadly sins, or modern pitfalls, that keep us from living our best life and how you can replace those behaviors with life giving virtues. The focus is mostly on the positive behavior, and the value it can add to your life. “We cannot stop a bad habit. We can only replace it with a good one.” How many times in my own life have I seen this to be true? Countless! We are imperfect sinners. We are inherently drawn to sin. But if we can turn our eyes and focus on God given solutions, we can free ourselves from hamster wheel of returning to sin.I have heard many of the stories and messages in this book before, as I attend Harris Creek where JP is the pastor. But it is so nice to have them all together in this concise version. This is a book you will want to highlight, journal, & come back to many times because it’s such a valuable tool for living your best life. All of the chapters are great, but those I found most relevant and meaningful were:Anger & Forgiveness - the practical advice & steps to forgiveness was so helpful. Apathy & Diligence - so relevant in a world of cultural Christianity. This chapter really challenged me to think about what it really means to be a Christian! I think it will challenge many others. Even if you can’t find too many sin struggles you relate to in this book, you will likely find meaning in this chapter. (Or you are like me and find all of them relevant!) Busyness & Rest - “When we discipline ourselves and devote ourselves to the things of God, our soul finds rest in a way we never thought possible.” Perception Management & Authenticity - “Your faith may be personal, but it was never meant to be private.” Every time you share your story, you are giving the devil less of a hold on you. This chapter is so relevant in our world today where perception seems to be reality. Drunkenness & Sobriety- God has called us to a life of passion & purpose vs. escape and detachment.Those are just some of the big takeaways! It’s a great book and I hope you find it as valuable as I did!

Navigating life's daily challenges often feels like enough of an accomplishment. But what if you could take it up a whole other level and turn your vices into virtues?I've read nearly all the books on the seven deadly sins and this book is similar, but not judgmental at all. Instead Jonathan "JP" Pokluda functions as a guide, pointing out how you can have more fun and happiness following Jesus and avoiding self-destructive behaviors.There is a good section on why it benefits us to forgive, why wealth can be a curse, why marriages are not lasting and how feeling entitled is not going to promote feeling grateful to God.Overall I felt this book helped me realize what sins I struggle with and it gave me ideas for how to overcome them with logical arguments. I know I struggle with a slight amount of greed because I want what I want and I want it now! I want more when I already have enough. (80 books still to read is enough!) This is one of those subtle sins that creeps up on you gradually and can take you down financially. This book encouraged me to enjoy what I have instead of allowing my desires to rule my life.If you find one vice to work on this book will be worth purchasing. It can take years to really break free from a lot of sins that hold you captive for a long time. But having someone point out what those sins are and how to overcome them is very helpful. As long as we keep forgiving ourselves and asking God's forgiveness there is hope for a better future, both now and in eternity. May you live a life of joy and fulfillment and may this book guide you on your journey!~The Rebecca Review