Both of us have been reading the book “The Irresistable Revolution” by Shane Claiborne. We have both been challenged by a quote by Rich Mullins…
“You guys are all into that born again thing, which is great. We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy named Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, I can tell you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to one guy too…[And he paused in the awkward silence.] But I guess that’s why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest!” (pg.98)
Whoa!!! When I read this, I was one of the awkward silence people. How can that not be a smack in the face. Here I am, complaining that I can only have one 50lb backpack to take to Swaziland, when God has asked me to get rid of even that.
God humoured me yesterday during my quite time…I was worshiping along with Hillsong United. The first song stated, ” All I need is You, Lord,” the second, “Everything I need is You.” I know that I believe this, but do I really live it?? I was frustrated…I want to live this, but am I willing to give up everything in order to live it?? I still love to get new clothes; I still love the fact that I have access to the internet and phone; I still love electricity; I still love being surrounded by friends and family. How can I sing the song “All I need is You, Lord” when I’m afraid to give up these little things???
I don’t want to be a ‘Highlighter Christian’, I want to be a ‘Radical Christian!!!’ What am I going to do about it???!!!!
Hey guys…what’s up? I can’t find that information I asked your mom to give me (which she did)…can u drop me an email with it?
I am currently reading that book too! I find most of the points that he makes to be so simple and yet so challenging. I haven’t finished it yet but i’ll let you know when i have!! I’ve already almost cried about three times from some of his stories!
I was looking through blogland for the first time in a long time, and I wanted to let you know that this post touched my heart today. Thanks, Naomi!
Hope you and your hubby are doing well. God bless. 🙂
Hey there guys, im so glad to see pictures and hear your guys thoughts its really great, and matt I know just how you feel. Having a new baby there are the items that I definately need, but I find my self wanting the best and everything, its a struggle for me everyday to let go of things in my life I do not need.
Wow, challenging indeed. During hard times it seems like we’ve already given up so much to be on the mission field (& I admire how much further removed from home comforts you already are than us) but good to be reminded of how relative it all is, why it’s worth it, & why we should do so even more. Thanks for sharing so openly from your heart Naomi, I loved & was touched & challenged by your stories when you had your Blogspot too so I’m glad when you continue that here! And as a long-distance cousin I just appreciate getting a wee look in to who you are & what God’s doing in you & through you, getting to know you more deeply through your writing. Thanks, please keep doing it! Your faith & experiences inspire me. I love & miss you so much!!!! God bless xox