Pick & Mix

'Practicing The Way Of Jesus - life together in the Kingdom of Love' is one of those hugely challenging books I want to put down - and can't! The writer Mark Scandrette outlines in a compelling way what for him is the central expression of the Christian faith. It's not about words but about action. Let me just quote the first two sentences of the book: "A number of years ago I invited a group of friends into an audacious experiment in which each of us would sell or give away half of our possessions and donate the profits to global poverty relief. We were inspired by what Jesus taught about true security and abundance, deciding that an experiment would be a tangible way to explore the implications for our everyday lives".

OK, now you see why I wanted to put the book down - and why I couldn't. It is both uncomfortable and compelling. Lifestyle books are two a penny now, but this has to be the most challenging! At it's heart this is a book about spirituality, about how to express in a dynamic and creative way the relationship you have with God. But this is a spirituality which is not just confined to reading books, attending church or housegroups. It's not simply about what you think or believe, or how you feel. It's about what you do with your faith. Scandrette doesn't just focus on issues of lifestyle, resources and possessions, but is clear that the life of the disciple is lived completely and affects all we are and all we do. He is passionate that practicing the faith of Christ  changes us, and in every aspect of our lives. This is both (as one of the chapter headings puts it) 'an inward and outward journey of transformation. 

I'm not yet halfway through the book and already I feel humbled by the experiments in the spiritual life that are suggested. Humbled because I don't think I can manage some, and yet I know that if as a body of believers we could embrace the Gospel of Christ in this creative way it would make a huge difference to our torn and broken world. I'd be interested to know what you think.

Malcolm

'Practicing The Way Of Jesus' by Mark Scandrette.