Several quotes begin Bobby’s 3rd chapter-the one I want to post about. First, a familiar one:
When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Another less familiar but no less powerful:
We must do something about the cross, and one of two things only can we do-flee it or die upon it. A.W.Tozer
One of the longest books I ever read, maybe the longest, is Eric Metaxas’ book on Bonhoeffer. There was a man who put his faith where his mouth was. He stood against Hitler; wound up being moved from prison to prison; and eventually dying just a week or so before Hitler and Germany were defeated. He was willing to put his life on the line for his faith.
We see that in the news everyday as followers of Christ are burned out of their homes, their houses of worship burned to the ground, their lives forfeit by beheading or some other form of torture, all for their faith. Saeed Abedini is now approaching two years in an Iraqi prison because he was a Christian building an orphanage.
May I be frank? Too many people who say they follow Jesus want it easy. Why else are we told to ask for demand prosperity as though it was our right? We talk about living in an entitlement society. Might that also be said about much of Christianity these days? As a result, we have people falling by the wayside in seemingly record numbers. Meanwhile, the churches in Third World countries are growing exponentially. Hmmmm. Bobby makes a good point on page 57: “Failing to count the cost leads to compromise, complacency, and caving in to the enemy.”
“Consumerism is a counterfeit gospel.” p.59
There is a cost to following Jesus. I suspect the cost will become even greater in the months/years to come.
What are your thoughts about this consumer gospel we seem to be hearing so much about? Any thoughts you care to share?
Since there is so much in chapter 3 I plan to do another post on it next week.
I recognized myself time and again in this Chapter 3. I tend to fall into cruise control in my relationship with Christ thinking that I am doing O.K. when I go to church each week and when I toss a few bucks at the church each month. Oh, and did you realize how super-pious I am because I read my share of devotionals? However, I tend to read them more as a scholar instead of using them to bring me closer to Jesus. Where is the practical side of my faith? So often it is non-existent. When I am faced with this truth, I feel so defeated, so small, so not what Jesus would desire from me with the blessings that I have been given.
I think we all tend to fall into cruise control from time to time Daniel. I will admit to it. It is easy to put ourselves down thinking we ought to be like everyone else.
Sometimes it seems like Christianity in America is really about American capitalism.
Very true.
Funny… the one promise from Christ is that we will suffer… not sure how that could be misunderstood with never having a bad day…
In the tough times is when we see the sovereignty and grace of God that we wouldn’t begin to fathom otherwise.
Good point in that first statement. Never could understand that either. Also agree with you on your second.
It’s the truth Bill and it’s terribly uncomfortable. I tell people that when you simply add Jesus to your life you’re basically turning him into another idol, but when you exchange your life for Jesus then you get something that no one and no thing can every give you!
Thanks for the great reminder!
I like your analogy Caleb about adding vs. exchanging.
Random (but not quite).. what are your thoughts on Matthew Henrys Commentary?? – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Are you thinking a specific passage or the whole thing? On the latter I could comment. I used to use when I was in college (cheap, all-in-one, helpful) but there are much more complete ones out now that I use for sermon prep. that is not to say MH is bad. I just need something deeper. Help any? Also hope you saw my comment on your About page.
I ditto what Caleb said. We ladies discussed this very thing last night at our bible study concerning faith and prayer. We have taken up the challenge of Col 1:9-12 this week, instead of God give so and so better health, a better job, return her husband, turn her kids around…etc. Each prayer request is important but while we are waiting for answered prayer how’s are walk with Him. Prayer is never about us, always about Him. Great post, got to get to chapter 3, still on 2. Great book.
Tragically Betty, we have relegated prayer to a shopping list instead of simply honoring God for who He is. Like your ladies’ approach.
Consumerism IS a counterfeit gospel. It is akin to idol worship as I see it. Anything that comes between our devotion to the Lord and our willingness to take up our cross and follow Him is detrimental to our souls and our salvation. The only thing that will fill our lives with joy, no matter what the circumstances, is our unwavering faith in God’s goodness and love.
Blessings, Bill!
Counterfeit is a good work Martha. I call it the “Un-gospel.” Our willingness to follow Him should not be determined on what He can give back to us.