I'm currently reading Radical by David Platt and it has shaken me. The truth that is spoken is not heard much from the pulpit, who really wants to hear that Christ demands that we put everything down and follow Him? These ideas have been stirring within my spirit and I am excited, scared, and excited. Christ's words call me away from the "American Dream" and they lead me to the heart of my Father.
Platt, in the book, speaks on how this generation is seeking God's will and God's plan when He has already given it to us: He desires that all men should KNOW HIM. That is what my life's purpose and will should be for. Everything and anything that I do should be pointing others to Christ. That may be from the U.S. or Africa or Australia I just don't know yet.
So what is it going to look like for me to live sacrificially? It's not going to be "normal" and it's not going to make much sense to people, but that's okay because He is worth it. His cause is worth it. They are worth it. The billions of people who have never heard His name deserve to hear the precious and life giving words of Christ. Who am I to store the truth in my heart but never tell anyone else?
Some scriptures that shed light on the issue:
Matthew 10:38-39
If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.
Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
The man from Luke loved his possessions and wealth more than God. He was faced with the choice: am I going to give it all up for Christ? am I willing to sacrifice my earthly wealth? You see, I don't think that Christ was asking this man to give it all up for the fun of it. Christ wanted this man's full self. He wanted all of him. Just like He wants all of us. And in return we receive treasure that doesn't rust and decay. Christ's question remains: will we lay it all down, follow me, and become His disciple?
Follow me. Said numerous times throughout Christ's ministry, He beckoned people to follow Him and become His disciples. Christ is calling each of us to follow Him. He may be calling me to sell all that I have to give to the poor. He may be calling you to go overseas and tell people about Himself. He may be calling me to give more than I have given so far, to use the blessings that He has given me to bless His people in need. He may be calling you to use your gifts to build homes and schools for those without. He may be calling me to buy a meal for the homeless women. He is calling us to follow Him, to be His disciples.
We are His plan to . . . go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
I am challenging myself to open His Word and do what He is calling me to do.
Radical video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZfC7vAbte4&feature=related
