I remember the first time that I realized that following Jesus wasn't simply about saying the "sinner's prayer" and accepting grace and forgiveness. It was while I was taking a class on the gospels in Bible college... it was undeniable that Jesus called his followers to deny themselves, pick up their crosses and follow him.
For a while, this lesson resonated deep within me. I yearned to be a part of Christ's inner circle, a part of that core group of believers who really lived in a "sold out" way.
But then something happened. Perhaps it was my struggles in the not-for-profit industry. Perhaps it was just that love for God, like love in any relationship, loses the gimmicky addictive feel and settles into something comfortable and predictable. Whatever it is, there is very little in my life that gives evidence of being "sold out." (Perhaps sell out would be a more accurate descriptor...)
All that said, I am afraid to read this book. The first chapter was relatively harmless. But I'm afraid that once I delve further, things will need to change. I may need to give up things I like.
But maybe, just maybe, the God of the universe is worth taking that chance for.
I've heard a lot of good but a bit of bad about this book as well. Good in terms of challenging to live in a more passionate way but bad in terms of some people feeling very judged by it that if you aren't a super christian you probably won't go to heaven feel to a lot of the author's pronouncements. Let me know what you think of it. Sarah Opper (don't know if it's still saying I'm posting this as anon. so I'll sign my whole name in case you know a bunch of Sarah's!)
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