Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?

Replace Deadly Vices with Life-Giving Virtues

by: Jonathan "JP" Pokluda, Jon Green

• Format

  Paperback

  ISBN

  9780801094965

  Dimensions

  5.5 x 8.5

  Pub. Date

  Mar 2023

  SRP

  $16.99

  Carton Quantity

  60

  Number of pages

  224

  Buy

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781493439485

  Pub. Date

  Mar 2023

  SRP

  $16.99

  Buy

About

How to overcome the habits that are stealing joy from your life

Our upside-down culture celebrates vice and undervalues virtue, leading us to feed the wrong habits while we allow life-giving practices to die. It's no wonder we feel empty, exhausted, and directionless.

There's a better, more fulfilling way to live, and it doesn't involve looking inside yourself for the answers--because that's not where you'll find them. With his signature wit and wisdom, Jonathan "JP" Pokluda explains, unpacks, and expands on the age-old virtues we're told to pursue in Scripture: humility, forgiveness, sobriety, generosity, diligence, self-control, authenticity, rest, optimism, and gratitude. Far from being restrictive, these God-given goals for living free us to love and live as we wish we would.

Practicing virtues is not just something you do--it's something done in you, slowly but surely transforming you into the person you were meant to be all along. Whether you're eighteen or eighty, it's never too late to redefine what's important to you and reclaim a life of virtue.


"Every Christian I know gets stuck at some point in their journey doing something they don't want to do. In this book, JP not only shows you the way out but also presents a biblical and practical path to freedom that only Jesus can offer."--Jennie Allen, New York Times bestselling author of Find Your People; founder and visionary of IF: Gathering

"For all of us who wonder why sin is so tempting and wish we had better tools to turn away from it, JP gives us those tools in this book. It's genuine, kind, and may sting a little, but it will also walk you toward who you want to be."--Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

---

Endorsements

"Every Christian I know gets stuck at some point in their journey doing something they don't want to do. In this book, JP not only shows you the way out but also presents a biblical and practical path to freedom that only Jesus can offer."

Jennie Allen, New York Times bestselling author of Find Your People; founder and visionary of IF: Gathering

"Jonathan Pokluda writes with the same passion and conviction that he lives. For all of us who wonder why sin is so tempting and wish we had better tools to turn away from it, JP gives us those tools in this book. It's genuine, kind, and may sting a little, but it will also walk you toward who you want to be."

Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

"The question, Why do I do what I don't want to do? is a point of tension right from the Scriptures. It is one we all ask, or should be asking. In this adventure of a book, JP illuminates common vices that are prone to find us. Better yet, he teaches us how to stop the drift toward depravities and turn to lifegiving virtues that heal our souls. His personal approach, along with the use of his own testimony, demonstrates that victory is possible and showcases God's limitless grace."

Kyle Idleman, senior pastor of Southeast Christian; bestselling author of Not a Fan and One at a Time

"For over twenty years now I have counseled with, prayed with, and cried with Christians who feel stuck in patterns of sin they can't seem to break out of. They love Jesus, read the Bible, and many belong to a small group, yet they can't seem to walk in the victory they know is theirs in Jesus. Jonathan Pokluda has served us well in this book. He masterfully shows how the church has historically defined and diagnosed this battle--and a way forward through its more modern iterations. If you feel stuck, this is the book for you."

Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church

"JP uses years of hard-earned wisdom to build this message for the masses. Whether you're seventeen or seventy, you'll be challenged and encouraged with truth. But JP knows you can't make these changes on your own--that's why he goes to great lengths to anchor every chapter in Scripture and the hope of the gospel. He repeatedly points us toward the God who equips us for the growth we all desire as he conforms us to his image."

Tara-Leigh Cobble, author and host of The Bible Recap book and podcast

"Doctors told me I would die if I didn't quit drinking. I knew they were right; the problem was I didn't know how to stop. We all have a desire to do things that are harmful to us. We often choose to do the harmful things rather than pursue a virtuous life that honors God. But here I am about twenty years sober, and I can testify that what you'll read in this book--or rather Who--is your ancient, well-worn path to not doing what you don't want to do."

John Elmore, author of Freedom Starts Today; teaching pastor of Watermark Community Church, Dallas, Texas

"Inside this book JP gives words and a voice to all the things that are sometimes too hard for us to say, mainly concerning how we conduct our lives on this side of eternity. There is no self-help book that can align your life with the will of God and the purpose he has for you. JP's intentionality to make this clear sets this book apart from any others. JP understands that without God's intervention we cannot live set-apart lives where we maximize our purpose and potential."

Christian Huff & Sadie Robertson Huff, founder of 4:8 Men podcast; author, speaker, and founder of Live Original

"We all need a bold friend; someone who loves us enough to challenge us, confront us, and call us to a better way. Jonathan Pokluda is that friend. He perfectly mixes I've-been-there humility with let's-get-real honesty. Saturated with Scripture, Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do? provides timeless answers to present problems without serving up a side dish of shame. If you find yourself caught in the cycle of bad habits, let your friend JP help you release your grip on destructive patterns and embrace a new, beautiful way of living."

Ben Stuart, pastor of Passion City Church DC; author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married and Rest & War

"If you want to experience freedom from the self-destructive tendencies, temptations, and traps in your life, this book is for you. JP lays out biblical truth in ways that are compelling, raw, and practical. This book provides guidance toward experiencing more of the life you were made for and how to get there."

David Marvin, director of The Porch at Watermark Church; bestselling author of We're All Freaking Out (and Why We Don't Need To)

"JP has written a transformative and highly convicting book. If you are a Christian who wants to grow and get a taste of much-needed humble pie, do yourself a favor and read this. I am so grateful for leaders like JP who are not afraid to say things for the sake of the kingdom."

Kait Warman, bestselling author; dating coach; founder of Heart of Dating

"JP delivers again. This book is power-packed with both inspiration and practical takeaways that will elevate your influence and impact as a follower of Jesus by helping you avoid the traps of vices and find life in virtue. Read this book!"

Brad Lomenick, former president of Catalyst; author of H3 Leadership and The Catalyst Leader

"The wonder of the gospel is that it changes our identity in a moment, then proceeds to change our activity over a lifetime. When the Spirit begins to remove ungodly characteristics from our life, our great need is that he'd replace them with godly ones. That is why this book, Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?, by my friend Jonathan Pokluda is so relevant and helpful. I always recommend anything he writes, but I believe this book is especially practical for every single person navigating what it means to be a follower of Jesus."

Shane Pruitt, national next gen director of North American Mission Board (NAMB); author of 9 Common Lies Christians Believe

"This book wrestles with the question the apostle Paul asked nearly two thousand years go. I'm excited for many others to benefit from my friend's wisdom and the biblical answers he offers for the many struggles we face today. As you turn the pages you will not only find freedom from deadly vices but the way to a virtuous life in Jesus."

Clay Scroggins, author of How to Lead When You're Not in Charge

"Why Do I Do What I Don't Want To Do? is radically shaking up parts of me I didn't realize needed to be addressed. When I read JP's words, 'If your motive is to do something for the appearance of being holy, you have missed the point completely and are grieving the heart of God'--Ouch! This book packs a heavy punch of truth that will hit you deeply where you need it most. JP is a voice I trust and love. His tone is eloquently gracious, but at the same time, be ready to be challenged and changed."

Rashawn Copeland, founder of Blessed Media; author of Start Where You Are

"There are books that give you information and there are books that give you real-life wisdom. This book is the latter--filled with practical and pastoral guidance for how to become the person God created you to be."

Mike Kelsey, lead pastor of preaching and culture, McLean Bible Church

"With every page turned, I experienced these two primary emotions: a holy conviction and a renewed hope. JP has a way with telling stories and unpacking the Bible that both excavates deep within your soul and empowers you with newfound freedom. This book is going to help set a lot of people free!"

Steve Carter, pastor; author of The Thing Beneath the Thing

---