Sharing

As I continue to post I do want to invite anyone to share what they think, if they agree or disagree, or have a different perspective. Many times I will completely embrace a new idea or view without thinking too critically about it - this is something I'm trying to be more aware of, but the point is if you think I am completely wrong, or maybe missing a vital point, please share :) 


I just finished this book by David Platt called Radical - it's all about taking your faith back from the American dream, the title is kind of cheesy. The book gave me a lot to think about - just in how I view America and the values I was raised with, how I spend my money, how I support overseas missions, etc. The book really challenged me and reinforced this conviction that has been building since Spring about how I am living and if I am truly living for Christ, set apart, differently. If someone spent a day following me would my life look drastically different from an unbelievers? I had to answer honestly and say no, not really. I shared in a previous post about how Jeremiah 29:11-13 has been on my mind so much and the command to know God. Another verse that I have been meditating on is Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Before, I thought yes to live is Christ, I believe in Christ, that he lived and died for me, to save me from my sin. Now though and as my friend Jen says "How will I respond to the Gospel?" So I've been praying about that and how I need to change how I live in a way that is glorifying to the Lord. 


As much as I enjoy reading books like these and I'm reading several now (I need to learn how to pace myself), I realize that they are from man; they are not the complete truth like Scripture is. Many of the authors I read and find challenging often point to Scripture and where their views come from, what they believe or think about the verses they share. This encourages me further to turn to Scripture more and more. Over the last few years I've heard so many speakers as well as the views of my friends and peers on their views and beliefs. What I want to do is return to Scripture and really ask myself what is truth and what has been distorted to suit me. I was having a conversation with a friend last week about how I feel like I have grown and learned so much in the last few months but also having the realization that God has so much to teach me and that what I do know is so little. This thrills me, I am so excited to continue in my walk with the Lord and allow Him to mold me. 


The last chapter of Radical gives a 1 year challenge that I think I'm going to try. It has 5 main challenges: 
1. Pray for the entire world.
2. Read through the entire Word.
3. Commit your life to a multiplying community.
4. Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.
5. Spend your time in another context.