I’ve recently finished reading Radical by David Platt. I found it to be an extremely challenging book, much like Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Consider this snippet, which can be found on radicalthebook.com:
What part of the Gospel is optional?
It’s easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily…
But who do you know who lives like that? Do you?
The book ends with a “radical experiment,” which consists of five specific challenges to carry out over the span of one year:
- To pray for the entire world.
- To read through the entire Word.
- To sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.
- To give your time in another context.
- To commit your life to a multiplying community.
You need to read the book to really understand all of the reasons and explanation of the challenge; it’s too much to explain here. Ken’s reading it, too, but the poor guy will have to put up with all my underlining and stars. 😉
I hope to gradually implement the five parts of the challenge. I am already in a habit of spending some time in the Bible every morning, but this steps things up for me. We already tithe, but the sacrifice of money means above and beyond that, so we’ll have to pray about how to actually live this one out. And I am researching and praying about what I can do for giving my time in another context — as in, out of my comfort zone. I’m already committed and involved in a “multiplying community” (aka the local church).
I highly recommend reading Radical.
Oh, and speaking of books, I’ve created my own shelfari bookshelf, with my ratings and reviews.
Wife, mom, grandma. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
I’m reading Radical too! I’ve opted to read the bible in 90 days…You can join me next month: http://www.biblein90days.org/
Our family became poor on purpose to serve as Christ’s ambassadors to the poor in another country. We have certainly given up our time, money, family, convenience and security, but God gives it all back in His own way. There’s never a sacrifice without a bigger blessing on the other side.
Hi Jamie,
I’ve heard a lot about that book, but I haven’t read it. I’m going to check out your link for praying around the world.
And I’ll continue reading 2 Bible chapters a day on my own, as well as our every-mealtime devotions.
As for the rest, I won’t make a decision yet. I don’t want to overcommit and then back off. Somewhere (in Deuteronomy??) it says that it’s OK not to ‘make a vow’, but very bad to ‘make a vow’ and then quit.
Blessings,
Annie Kate
Good point, Annie Kate! That’s why I’m still working on how to do those other two parts. And I think ideally, I need to find a better way to keep up with the prayers for different parts of the world.
I just finished the book this past week, and it changed how I think about things more than it probably should have (I mean, shouldn’t I already have been more other-focused?). I just started the challenge and have found it refreshing. I’ve always tried to read the Bible in a year, but it always takes me a little longer. This time, that’s what I want to do. God has already been blessing my efforts by opening it up to me in fresh new ways. I’m thankful for Operation World as well…and am so glad that they’re coming out with a… Read more »