75. Life-Maxing? No, No, No...Try This Instead

75. Life-Maxing? No, No, No...Try This Instead

September 4, 2026 · 14 min

About this episode

John Ortberg discusses the contrast between self-maximization and the teachings of Jesus regarding abundant life.

We're surrounded by voices telling us to maximize ourselves: our looks, productivity, wealth, health, status, experiences, and potential. But Jesus offers a radically different path to maximum life. In this episode, John Ortberg explores the “self-maximizer” inside us and contrasts it with John the Baptist's famous words: “He must increase; I must decrease.” The paradox of God's kingdom is that abundant life doesn't come from making ourselves bigger. It comes as we loosen our grip on ego, rep...

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Host: John Ortberg

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Organizations: Jesus

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