Focusing on the values that the American public upholds and that we as Christians have “bought” into Platt’s challenge impacts far beyond the shores of America or Western culture. As Christians we are constantly accosted and snagged by the multi-pronged hooks of our culture that are propelled by the values embraced. We are ensnared by the “American Dream”; Make money. Get more stuff. Be comfortable. Live well. Have fun. Blinded by these temporary and short-term treasures (that we can’t keep anyway) we ignore the fact that every moment of every day we stand on the threshold of eternity. Each one of us will stand before God and give an account for the stewardship of the time, resources, gifts, and the eternal message (Gospel) that we have been entrusted with. So, how do we engage in what is long-term with eternal treasures in a church culture that wants short-term commitments with long-term benefits, when long-term claims are reserved for long-term commitments.
Through bold claims contained in the Gospel about our purpose in life the author calls us to radical obedience to Jesus: 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 and 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. A one year challenge to see if radical obedience to the commands of Christ is more meaningful, more fulfilling, and more gratifying than the American dream is put forward.
As the author points out, “The challenge before us, then, is to use the freedoms, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to us for his purpose in the world, all the while remaining careful not to embrace ideas, values, and assumptions that contradict what God said in his Word.” What Watchman Nee described as ‘the normal Christian life” for every disciple of Jesus is today labeled ‘radical’.
Wolcott Wanderings 