Simply Living Sample

John Stott, towards the end of his life, wrote the book The Radical Disciple, because he perceived that we Christians pick and choose what we want in our discipleship—selecting areas of commitment which suit us, rather than submitting to God’s authority in all areas of life. His book addresses this problem by considering “eight characteristics of Christian life which are often neglected and yet deserve to be taken seriously.” These neglected aspects of the Christian walk each serve to take us beyond our personal sphere, to caring for the world around us. This is the bigger picture of God’s coming kingdom, and we are meant to see his kingdom come in all aspects of life.

God is in the business of taking small, tiny offerings and using them to create a huge impact. The small, smooth stones in David’s sling. A little boy with five loaves and two fish. The tiny mustard seed. A widow’s last few drops of oil and flour for a final meal with her son.

We often think of what we lack. The problems are too big; the world is too broken. But God is able to do abundantly more than all we could ask or imagine. He’s blessed us with creativity, ingenuity–and each other.

In considering the small things we can do and when we are uncertain of the way ahead, we can be encouraged that God takes our small steps–and our offerings along the way, inadequate though they seem–and breathes his life through them for his glory.

Response: Chew over the words in Psalm 84:5 and thank God for the blessings he gives to those who set their hearts on pilgrimage.