Christian Minimalist Living
In my daily thoughts today, pondering more of the book “True Discipleship” by William MacDonald, I began to think.
I began thinking about my self centered life and all of the material things I own. I know one day I will stand before God to give an account for my life. Although my sins are washed away, I can't help but imagine. I wonder if I will look down at the things I own and wish I could trade them for just one soul to escape the agony of hell. I wonder if I could trade one of my many "toys" for the expense of supporting a native missionary. I wonder if I could trade my my monthly cell phone plan for a monthly missionary plan instead.
We are notorious in God's eyes for what we think is our American Right to a better life. There is nothing wrong with things that serve a purpose, or even more. It is the Christian who must answer for why resources were used for personal gain and stockpiling of unnecessary things. We opt for the supersized everything and when it comes time for giving to expand The Kingdom, we most certainly downsize.
I'm not saying you need to sell everything and follow Jesus. Just take what you need to do the job God called you to do. Don't take what you want because what you want will slow you down and slow the movement of God in your life.
So what is this saying about me? I am determining what needs to go away and what must stay. Among the things I am leaving... a monthly cell phone plan.
The True Cost of Discipleship
I am currently reading the book "True Discipleship" by William MacDonald. Though I've had this book on my shelf for about three years, I've never read it. Those of you who know me, know that that isn't really so shocking. I thought it looked like the usual "heard it all before" book. Well, I may have heard it all before, but much of it was forgotten.
As I read through the short and to the point chapters, I become more and more aware of how far I have departed from true discipleship. My priorities, ambitions and actions have long been earthly. We Christians love to sacrifice and show our love for Christ so long as it's convenient and makes us feel good. I'm being forced to examine my alignment to the call of the Master.
There are many things we don't want to look at, in self examination. We want to put our needs second and our comforts first. Without realizing it, I embrace a prosperity doctrine never taught by our Lord. In fact, the opposite was taught. We have indeed began to love things and use people to get more things.
How can I begin to learn the true cost of discipleship? How can I sell everything and follow Him?
"But God! I really like all these things.... Wait! I can use them for your glory! That way I can keep my security and self reliance in case You fail me!" - If I were the Rich Young Ruler, I would have tried that argument. Unfortunately that boat would have sunk.
Complete self-abandon. It seems like a hard thing to grasp right now.