So I joined Marla's read along, and even received this book for free because of some of her very generous friends. Today we are all writing our posts on Chapter 1.
I am a skeptic.
About alot of things. Especially though, when it comes to books about Jesus.
I don't easily jump right on the bandwagon either.
I like to be skeptical and question and make sure it's God that's doing the talking to me.
So that's how I approached this first chapter. And to be honest, I still feel a tad bit skeptical.
What is it exactly I'm feeling skeptical about?
it's not about being RADICAL, but more of what exactly defines being RADICAL.
Because to be honest I feel like it could be different for all of us.
There are times in the Bible where Jesus was surrounded by thousands of people. Even at times reading about John the Baptist it talks about the crowds from all over the region going to him. The sermon on the Mount gives a picture of a huge crowd.
So, was Jesus not being RADICAL in those moments?
Are my friends, who work 2 jobs each so they can send their 16 year old daughter to a far away private school for gifted children, who someday wants to work at a neonatal hospital saving babies lives, not radical?
Am I, who chooses to stay in a marriage because I feel Jesus is telling me to, even though the world would look at my circumstance and tell me I have every right to leave, not radical?
Is my daughter, who chooses daily to not have a boyfriend or have sex before marriage, not radical?
I totally get what this Author is saying and I do feel that beginning tug at my heart. I would love to right at this moment sell everything I own and serve His world. Only I don't think that's quite possible right this moment and I just don't want to feel guilty about where the Lord has me right now. I don't want to feel like works and doing things for Him are all He is after. Because I can't work my way into His arms, I can just freely come into them.
I am clearly only on Chapter 1 and I, like the Author, may just end up with more questions than answers at the end. And if I sound comfortable or maybe stubborn, I'm not worried, because Jesus has worked around that in me before. He is bigger and I will remain open to what it is He may be speaking to me through this book.
What do you think? Am I missing the point already?
Do I just sound selfish and scared?
Be honest, I can take it! :)
Head over to Marla's blog and see what others have to say about this book.
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9 comments:
I feel MUCH the same way and have felt that I would probably be alone in that.
Nicole
www.radicalish.blogspot.com
I love the questions you are posing, and I have no answers which makes it odd that I am posting a comment to you.
I think the understanding of the word "radical" is going to be key....and must be taken in context obviously, to get the points of the author.
Jumping out of an airplane is radical. Having a baby is radical. Running away from abusive parents is radical. And every example you posted as well, are pretty radical. The deeper question is are we being radical for the Kingdom of Heaven? Are we reaching others for Christ at ALL? And if so, are we doing so just within the confines of our comfort zones? Or are we going to the point even of risking our lives just to make certain that someone gets the opportunity to hear His name spoken....to have His message spoken to them.....so that they can die knowing Him?
Whether or not we live radically, will have Kingdom consequences.
So, to be pointed.... are you staying in your marriage to advance the Kingdom? Is your daughter staying pure for the Kingdom? Your answers may very well be yes and they are rhethorical questions. Are your friends sending their child to a gifted school for the Kingdom?
As Americans with a certain understanding of the ways of life, we hate these questions. I hate these questions. I can think of a million times I have failed to live radically. We just can't be radically devoted followers of Christ if we are radically devoted to our creature comforts.
this is a crazy challenging book. I hope you don't mind that I left you a comment. I was drawn to your blog title. :-)
Melissa-
Thank you for your honesty and you are so right that the key being...Am I being Radical "for the Kingdom of Heaven"
Given me even more to chew on....love it...kinda :)
Nicole-you are so not alone...:)
O Mom...skeptical is how I'm feel ing at the moment.
Melissa...thanks for the comment...being radical for radical's sake is not appealing to me...being radical FOR THE KINGDOM makes it worth the risk
Yes, I agree, what exactly is radical? I think it will be different for all of us but non-negotiables are helping the poor, children and widows and sacrificing to do that. Also to go into the world to make disciples. HOW we do that I think may look radical to the world at times and will be different for everyone.
I completely agree with the other commenters, that it really depends on the motivation for being radical. Doing God things out of love for Him is completely different then wanting to do good things.
Honestly? I think you are wise to be skeptical. Even as you remain open to whatever God may want to speak to you through this book. I am a firm believer that He can speak through anything - even through things which require skepticism.
Our youth pastor is reading this book and suggested I get it. Can't wait to see what you think of the rest of the book.
I, too, am a skeptic, rebel, stubborn, hard-headed, ill-tempered, problem child of God . . . He reigns me in on a daily basis!
Love you!!!
I like what Amy said about there being some non-negotiables. I think how it translates for all of us is open to interpretation.
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