We are creatures of habit and comfort. Any real improvement requires commitment and consistent application (daily for far longer than "21 days"). My cousin, who works as a physical trainer, says that January through March are the "busy" months in the fitness world. Most people set out to reach physical goals with gusto, but often lose interest or become distracted only weeks (or days) into the process.
As Christians, our intentionality towards spiritual growth often similarly fizzles. What would it take to achieve a Christ-honoring overhaul of our lives? In Radical, Platt makes the following claims:
"Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country the culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience, and enjoy."
"Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country the culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience, and enjoy."
We cannot assess the accuracy of such assertions without putting in the effort required to obtain the promised results. The Radical Experiment is a year-long commitment to the following goals:
1. I will pray for the entire world.
2. I will read through the entire Word.
3. I will sacrifice my money for a specific purpose.
4. I will spend time in another context (short-term or long-term missions).
5. I will commit my life to a multiplying community.
With God's help, would you commit to a year of transformation? What better time to start than on the day that divided history in half?
If you want to join the experiment, write out your specific intentions for each of the objectives in the comments section below. We can hold each other accountable, and celebrate the beauty of what God can accomplish in our surrendered lives! Here's to an amazing year.
If you want to join the experiment, write out your specific intentions for each of the objectives in the comments section below. We can hold each other accountable, and celebrate the beauty of what God can accomplish in our surrendered lives! Here's to an amazing year.
1. I will pray for the entire world.
ReplyDeleteI will put the Operation World book (http://www.amazon.com/Operation-World-Definitive-Prayer-Nation/dp/0830857249), which I have owned for several years and not yet opened, on my table and make a strong effort to read through one country (and pray for that country) after each family dinner. Alternatively, this is a great resource: http://www.operationworld.org/prayer-calendar if anyone is interested.
2. I will read through the entire Word.
This is the current plan I am using, and I HIGHLY recommend it: http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.html. Each day of the week has reading from a different part of the Bible (Epistles, The Law, History)
3. I will sacrifice my money for a specific purpose.
I would like to be intentional about opening our home and meals to both believers and unbelievers in our community. I would like to share a meal with someone outside of our family at least once per month.
4. I will spend time in another context (short-term or long-term missions).
We are hoping to move abroad this Fall. We will continue praying about where we should be.
5. I will commit my life to a multiplying community.
I will make an effort to encourage those in my small groups to seek God, and to look for opportunities to serve alongside them. I would really like to start a Bible study in our apartment building -- looking into this for the New Year.