I just finished reading the book In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon. I’m a lazy reader, so I read the “updated in today’s language” version, of this 19th Century Classic.
I believe it was this book that started the whole “What Would Jesus Do” movement (you can certainly correct me if I’m wrong).
I do not want to give the whole storyline away because I believe it is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read – so I hope you will read it for yourself.
But here is a snippet;
A small group of Christians make a one year commitment – to do only that which they interpret Jesus would do himself in any situation – regardless of the personal cost. Each character faced choices that, if they did what they believed Jesus would do, would cause them great loss financially, relationally, emotionally and even physically.
We live in a part of the world where affluence is the status quo (comparatively speaking). Not that we don’t suffer at times, but that we do not have to suffer for the most part (again comparatively speaking) and certainly I for one, have never intentionally suffered – sacrificially – if you know what I mean.
A few of us from my church attended a book club last week to discuss the content of this book, and here are some of the questions we are now wrestling with;
Jesus spent his entire life on us – so – how much should our faith cost us?
Jesus said (Matthew 8:34) “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Am I, are we, willing to follow Him regardless of the personal cost? Is there a cross that each of us are required to carry? What is your cross?
Paul talks about the joy in suffering (Philippians 1:19-27) Is it possible to experience true joy, without intentionally suffering for the cause of Christ.
Throughout the book, whenever a character was called to a new level of obedience, one that is beyond what most people would deem “normal”, the Holy Spirit in all His power was present in that individual’s life. Do you believe that the power of God’s presence is directly related to our level of obedience and sacrifice?
As strange as it sounds; I felt drawn to that level of sacrifice, but equally, I desire that kind of manifestation of God in my life. How ’bout you? If you want to read the book and discuss it, I would LOVE the opportunity and we could discuss it in the chatroom at www.thecourtyardonline.com – just let me know
Yep, WWJD was a spin off of this book. I admire its premise, but the underlying fault of WWJD is that we’re *not* Jesus, and *can’t* react as He would. We’re not perfect, and are most frequently motivated by self-interest (even a lot of philanthropy is done because it makes the giver feel good).
Luckily, the Bible has a lot of instruction and information on exactly what Jesus would do, so we’ve got a big advantage there! The book of James, for instance, can be referred to as the Proverbs of the New Testament.
I happen to believe that the Holy Spirit helps us obey God. And that’s a good thing, ‘cos we can’t do it on our own!
I have also felt drawn to that level of sacrifice, and were it not for my husband would probably chuck it all and go for it.
Wise Paul:
1 Corinthians 7:34 There is[a] a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.