PDF Summary:Discipleship, by A.W. Tozer

What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Christ? In Discipleship, A.W. Tozer offers a thought-provoking perspective on the demands of authentic Christianity. He argues that genuine discipleship involves wholehearted surrender to Christ's Lordship, rather than mere intellectual assent. Tozer examines the call to self-denial, full obedience, and holy living that characterizes the path of a disciple.

The author contends that salvation and obedience are inherently linked—believing in Jesus necessitates submission to His authority. Tozer urges believers to reject a "comfortable Christianity" that avoids the cross's sacrifice, compelling readers to embrace a life radically aligned with Christ's teachings and the Spirit's transforming power.

(continued)...

demands radical commitment, drawing a clear line between His allies and His enemies. He cites Christ's own words, such as Matthew 12:30 and John 3:18-36, to emphasize the stark consequences of rejecting His authority.

He also critiques the trend of followers who behave like chameleons, adjusting their beliefs to fit their surroundings, blending in with different crowds instead of standing firm in their convictions. Tozer argues that genuine discipleship requires a steadfast commitment to Jesus, regardless of context or social pressure.

Other Perspectives

• The complexity of modern life may require nuanced applications of religious teachings, which can sometimes appear as selective compliance but are genuine efforts to integrate faith with contemporary challenges.
• Softening or adapting Jesus's message could be seen as an attempt to make it more inclusive and relevant to a diverse, modern audience.
• The dichotomy of allies versus enemies may be overly simplistic and not account for the complexity of human relationships and beliefs.
• It could be pointed out that the concept of authority in religious texts is often understood and applied in diverse ways within different cultural and historical contexts.
• Being a chameleon in terms of belief can sometimes be a survival mechanism in environments hostile to one's core beliefs.
• Unwavering commitment might discourage healthy questioning and doubt, which are often essential for personal growth and a mature, authentic faith.

Disciples Yield All to Christ's Rule

Tozer further emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christ's absolute authority, His right to demand and expect complete submission from His followers. He argues that we cannot come to Christ as shrewd negotiators, picking and choosing which aspects of His Lordship we choose to accept. This is an all-or-nothing proposition.

He contrasts this wholehearted surrender with the attitude of those who treat Christianity like a spiritual insurance policy, seeking divine protection and favor while minimizing their own obligations. Tozer criticizes the focus on "insurance value" Christianity, prioritizing earthly benefits and eternal security over genuine devotion and obedience to Christ's authority.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for service opportunities that require obedience and humility, which are key aspects of submission. Look for local community service projects, such as helping at a food bank or cleaning up a park, where you can serve others selflessly. This practice can help you focus on serving rather than leading, reinforcing the concept of submission in action.
• Start a reflection journal where you document your daily actions and thoughts in the context of Christian values. This practice encourages you to live a life that reflects Christian teachings every day, not just in times of need or uncertainty. For instance, if you showed patience in a difficult situation, write about how this aligns with the virtues of Christianity and what it taught you about compassion and understanding.

Why Righteous Living and Sanctity Matter

This section explores the crucial role that holiness plays in a follower's journey. Tozer highlights God's sacredness as the supreme model and motivation for our pursuit of purity and moral wholeness. He warns against neglecting this call to purity, arguing that it fuels our spiritual experiences and enables the Spirit to work powerfully within us.

Holiness: An Essential Trait of the Divine to Emulate

Tozer reiterates the importance of holiness to God, pointing to the frequent use of the word "holy" throughout Scripture. He emphasizes that holiness isn't an optional add-on for advanced Christians; it's a fundamental aspect of being God's children, since God is sacred. While we cannot attain God's absolute holiness, we are called to reflect this quality of His in our own lives.

Tozer unpacks the meaning of holiness, clarifying that it's not negative or restrictive but a positive attribute representing moral wholeness. He explains that holiness encompasses benevolence, compassion, moral cleanliness, innocence, and divine qualities. It's about being "right" not just outwardly but inwardly, possessing a character that can withstand scrutiny and testing.

Holiness Involves Moral Purity and Blamelessness Before God

Tozer challenges the tendency to equate holiness with mere outward conformity to spiritual rules. He contends that true holiness begins with inward transformation, a purifying of our thoughts, desires, and motivations. He argues that anyone who claims a "copyright" on holiness while harboring pride, worldliness, or secret wrongdoing is promoting a false version.

He highlights the "numinous" aspect of holiness, referring to a mysterious, awe- inspiring quality that emanates from those who have truly encountered God. Tozer explains that this manifestation can't be cultivated; it results from aligning ourselves with the divine will and letting His Spirit work within us.

Practical Tips

• Create a "motivation map" by listing down your desires and motivations and then categorizing them into those that serve your well-being and those that don't. This visual tool can help you focus on purifying your intentions. For instance, if you find that a desire for recognition is driving your actions, you might reframe it to focus on the satisfaction of personal growth instead.
• Create a personal accountability group with friends or family members where you can discuss personal growth and ethical living. Regular meetings with this group can provide a space for open conversation about areas where you might struggle with pride or worldliness. This peer support can encourage you to live more authentically and help others do the same.
• Develop a "numinous moments" photo collection using your smartphone. Whenever you encounter something that strikes you as awe-inspiring or sacred, take a photo and add it to a dedicated album. This visual diary can serve as a personal gallery of the numinous, helping you to recognize and remember the profound impact of these experiences. You might capture images of a sunrise, an act of kindness, or a piece of art that resonates with you on a deeper level.

Believers Are Ordered to Seek Godliness

Tozer emphasizes that the call to holy living is not merely a suggestion or an ideal but a command from God. He points to Peter's words in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." Tozer argues that we can't simply pick and choose which commands to obey based on our preferences.

He addresses those who fear the demands of holiness, assuring them that God knows our limitations and does not expect us to achieve perfection overnight. Tozer encourages readers to embrace the process of sanctification, recognizing that growing in purity is a lifelong journey of surrendering to God's transforming work.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Commandment Jar" where you write down various teachings or commands that you struggle with on slips of paper and randomly select one each week to focus on practicing, regardless of your personal preferences. This random selection process helps you to confront and work on areas of obedience you might otherwise avoid due to selective adherence.
• Establish a 'holiness habit' challenge with friends or family where you support each other in developing one positive spiritual habit at a time. Start with something manageable, like reading a verse daily or performing a random act of kindness, and gradually build on these habits. This shared experience can foster a sense of community and provide mutual encouragement, making the pursuit of holiness feel more attainable and less daunting.

Holiness and Obedience Fuel Spiritual Experiences and Holy Spirit Power

Tozer connects the state of our hearts to the power of the Spirit in our lives. He argues that half-heartedness, compromise, and tolerance of evil grieve the Spirit and hinder His effective work. Tozer longs for the restoration of genuine God-awareness and His sacred presence in congregations, contending that this power is available to those who prioritize purity and obedience.

He uses the example of Moses descending from Mount Sinai, radiating God's glorious presence. Tozer points out that this numinous quality, often called the "Shekinah," was also evident among early Christians, causing unbelievers to be awestruck by Christians' meetings. Tozer laments the absence of this tangible manifestation of God's Presence in modern churches, attributing it to our willingness to settle for a watered-down, comfortable Christianity that avoids the demands of holy living.

Half-Heartedness and Tolerance Hinder the Spirit's Work

Tozer is unwavering in his belief that if we love God, we must also hate sin. He challenges those who dismiss hatred as inherently unchristian, arguing that loving what is good requires hating evil. He emphasizes that Jesus was capable of intense love and righteous anger against everything opposed to God.

Tozer critiques the "cuddly, tame clergy" who teach a passive, tolerant form of the Christian faith that avoids confronting sin. He contends that genuine faith should be marked by zeal, conviction, and a willingness to stand for what's true, even when facing persecution. He points to the lack of significant persecution experienced by American Christianity as evidence that we are now too accommodating to the world, prioritizing popularity over holiness.

Practical Tips

• Establish a "truth challenge" with friends or family where you hold each other accountable for standing up for your beliefs in everyday situations. This could involve discussing current events and how they relate to your values, or supporting each other when one of you takes a stand on an issue. This shared commitment can reinforce your conviction and help you practice standing for truth in a supportive environment.
• You can practice compassionate confrontation by addressing issues directly with individuals involved while maintaining a caring tone. When you see someone acting in a way that's harmful or unjust, approach them privately to discuss the behavior. Explain the impact of their actions and offer constructive feedback, but do so with empathy and without personal attacks. For example, if a coworker is spreading rumors, you might say, "I've noticed this happening, and it seems to hurt people's feelings. Can we talk about what's going on?"
• Engage in role-playing exercises with a trusted friend to practice confronting issues you typically avoid. This can help you develop the confidence and language needed to address sin more directly. For instance, you could take turns playing the role of someone exhibiting behavior that goes against your beliefs and then practice responding in a way that aligns with a more active stance.

Disciples Reflect God in Their Living

Tozer emphasizes that genuine discipleship leads to a tangible manifestation of divine presence within us. He acknowledges the role of emotions and "religious affection" as valid components of spiritual experience and should not be dismissed as unreliable or unimportant. However, he clarifies that these emotions should be grounded in repentance, obedience, and distancing oneself from worldly concerns.

He contrasts the genuine, humble holy people who radiate God's presence without realizing it with those who rely on intellectual knowledge or eloquent speech. Tozer encourages readers to seek a deeper, more experiential faith, characterized by silent, reverent communion with the divine, which speaks more powerfully than words.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a creative spiritual practice, like spiritual painting or crafting, that allows your emotions to guide the process. Choose a medium that feels comfortable to you and set an intention to express your spiritual experiences through this creative outlet. This could be painting abstract expressions of gratitude, sculpting symbols that represent personal beliefs, or any other form of art that connects you to your spirituality.
• Implement a weekly "tech Sabbath" where you disconnect from digital devices to cultivate detachment and reflection. Use this time to engage in activities that promote inner peace and emotional grounding, such as meditation, nature walks, or reading inspirational literature. This practice can help you evaluate the impact of worldly distractions on your emotions and encourage a lifestyle more centered on spiritual or personal growth.
• Implement a 'silent benefactor' initiative in your life by performing random acts of kindness without revealing your identity. This could be as simple as paying for someone's coffee in line behind you or leaving a positive note for a coworker without signing it. The mystery of your identity keeps the focus on the act of kindness rather than on you as an individual.
• Volunteer for a service-oriented organization without sharing your experiences on social media or with your social circle. This allows you to engage in humble acts of service without seeking external validation or praise, fostering a more authentic reflection of humility.
• Incorporate silent meals into your weekly routine, using the time to reflect internally and commune with the divine. During these meals, eat slowly and mindfully, paying attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of your food, and use the silence to turn your focus inward, contemplating your faith and spiritual journey.

Preparing for Eternity

This section challenges the assumption that salvation guarantees preparation for eternity. Tozer emphasizes that God uses our earthly lives to ready us for eternity, employing discipline, chastening, and various trials to conform us to the image of Christ. He argues that embracing this process, though often painful, is essential for attaining the fullness of God's plans for us.

Salvation Isn't Full Preparation For Heaven

Tozer acknowledges the centrality of being saved through belief in Christ, affirming that it’s the foundational truth of the gospel. He emphasizes the power of believing in Christ's atoning death for forgiveness of sins and the guarantee of eternal life. However, he clarifies that this initial act of faith doesn't conclude our spiritual journey but rather starts a lifelong process of preparation for heaven.

Tozer addresses the instance of the dying thief on the cross, whom Jesus assured of paradise. He acknowledges that divine grace extends to those with limited time to respond to the gospel. However, Tozer emphasizes that the majority of believers experience a longer journey of faith, during which God works to mature and refine them. He argues that if we were fully prepared for heaven the moment we were saved, God would have immediately brought us there.

Spiritual Discipline and Trials Mature Believers for Everlasting Life

Tozer highlights the role of discipline and correction in a follower's journey, explaining that these are not indications of divine anger but expressions of His love. He cites Hebrews 12:7-14, which states that God disciplines his children for their benefit, "so that we may share in His holiness." Tozer reassures readers that God doesn’t expect instant perfection, but He is committed to shaping us into His image through various trials and challenges.

He encourages us to view hardship and suffering not as punishments but as opportunities for growth and conformity to Christ's likeness. Tozer reminds us that God knows us deeply, acknowledging our limitations and weaknesses. He is patient and merciful, yet fully committed to guiding us toward becoming spiritually mature.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for a mentorship role, such as a Big Brother or Big Sister program, where you can practice giving constructive feedback and guidance with the intention of helping others grow. This hands-on approach allows you to express discipline as an act of love in real-life situations, helping you internalize the concept through action.
• Volunteer for roles or projects that push you out of your comfort zone, using them as opportunities for growth. This could be as simple as offering to lead a small group discussion in a community group, which can help you develop leadership skills and patience. The key is to see these roles not just as tasks, but as chances to grow in character.
• Create a "Patience Journal" to document moments where you practice patience, reflecting on the outcomes and your feelings. By keeping a record, you can track your progress in becoming more patient, identify situations where you struggle, and celebrate successes. For example, if you find yourself getting frustrated while waiting in line, write about the experience and how you managed to stay calm.

Believers Must Undergo Refining, Not Just Rely On Conversion

Tozer debunks the notion of "automatic sainthood," where conversion is assumed to result in instant transformation that eliminates the need for ongoing growth and refinement. He criticizes the "instant culture" mentality that has infiltrated Christianity, reducing salvation to a simple formula devoid of the costly demands of discipleship.

He challenges readers to consider whether they are truly prepared for the glories of eternal life. Tozer argues that if our Christian lives are characterized by complacency, worldliness, and a reluctance to embrace God’s discipline, then we should question our readiness for eternity.

Context

• Embracing a process of refinement means being open to correction, learning from failures, and continually seeking to align one's life with Christian teachings and values.
• Historically, the church has emphasized practices like confession, repentance, and community support as essential for ongoing spiritual development beyond conversion.
• Growth involves aligning one’s actions and decisions with Christian morals and ethics, which requires constant reflection and adjustment in response to new situations and insights.
• This mentality can lead to a consumerist approach to faith, where religious experiences are sought for personal satisfaction rather than genuine spiritual development and commitment.
• Many Christian denominations emphasize that salvation involves both justification (being declared righteous by God) and sanctification (the process of becoming holy), highlighting that it is an ongoing transformation rather than a single moment.
• True discipleship often involves being part of a community where believers hold each other accountable, which can be challenging but essential for spiritual growth.
• The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in preparing believers for eternal life by guiding, teaching, and empowering them to overcome sin and grow in righteousness.
• The "instant culture" refers to societal tendencies towards quick fixes and immediate gratification, which can undermine the depth and commitment required in spiritual practices and growth.

Heaven Is for Those Conformed To Christ's Image

Tozer affirms that God has elevated standards for those who will inherit heaven. He argues that it's not a destination for those who are spiritually lackluster or for those who haven't allowed God to work His transformative power in their lives. Heaven is reserved for those conformed to the image of Christ, purified and refined through living in obedience and surrender to God’s will.

He uses the analogy of an infant being born, "ready" physically but utterly unprepared for the complexities of life. Just as a newborn undergoes years of development and learning before reaching maturity, so too must Christ's followers experience a lifelong process of spiritual growth and formation before truly preparing for the afterlife.

God's High Plans for His Redeemed Require Lifelong Preparation

Tozer paints a picture of the afterlife as an experience of unparalleled joy and glory, far surpassing our human imaginations. He emphasizes that this reward is not earned through our efforts but is a gift from God given freely to those who have allowed Him to prepare them. Tozer highlights God’s infinite love and wisdom in designing a process that, though often involving hardship, ultimately leads us to the fullness of what He has prepared for us.

He uses powerful imagery to depict the contrast between our earthly lives and our everlasting destiny. Tozer compares our time on earth to an orchestra rehearsal, a time to prepare and refine ourselves before the grand symphony of paradise. He encourages us to view our present trials and disciplines as essential elements of this preparation, enabling us to fully participate in the glory and beauty of God’s eternal kingdom.

Context

• Religious texts and literature frequently use vivid imagery to convey the beauty and splendor of the afterlife, aiming to inspire hope and perseverance among believers.
• The concept challenges human notions of justice and merit, suggesting that divine justice operates on principles beyond human understanding, where love and grace are paramount.
• Different Christian denominations and cultures may interpret the process of preparation differently, with varying emphases on grace, works, and the role of the church community in guiding believers.
• The Bible often illustrates how figures like Joseph, Moses, and David faced significant trials that ultimately prepared them for their roles in God’s plan, suggesting a pattern of growth through adversity.
• Rehearsals are temporary and lead to a final performance. This reflects the belief that earthly life is transient and serves as a precursor to an eternal existence.
• The idea of life as a preparation for the afterlife can be seen metaphorically, where earthly experiences are viewed as a training ground for spiritual readiness.

Followers Must Embrace Hardship, Suffering, and Fidelity to Merit Heaven

Tozer challenges the tendency to shy away from the costly demands of discipleship, reminding us that true transformation is not painless. He encourages the faithful to embrace hardship and suffering as opportunities for growth and to conform to the image of Jesus. Tozer argues that God doesn't shield us from trials because He wants to build our character, purify our motives, and make us more like Jesus.

He connects the concept of being prepared for heaven to the image of the divine being reproduced in our lives. Tozer contends that the degree to which we allow the Spirit to transform us, shaping us into Christ's likeness, determines our fitness for being with God forever. He urges readers to embrace this process, confident in God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in us.

Practical Tips

• Start a 'hardship journal' to reflect on daily challenges and your responses to them. Write down any difficulties you face each day, how you dealt with them, and what you learned. This practice will help you to see hardship as a teacher and to embrace the lessons it offers.
• Embrace a new habit that challenges your comfort zone, like cold showers or public speaking, to physically experience transformational discomfort. Starting a new habit that's outside your comfort zone can serve as a daily reminder that growth often comes with discomfort. For example, if you dread public speaking, join a local Toastmasters club to regularly put yourself in a situation that feels uncomfortable but ultimately leads to personal growth.
• Engage in interfaith dialogue or study groups to expand your understanding of how different traditions interpret the divine image. This can provide a broader perspective and help you identify universal virtues that are valued across various faiths. By learning and appreciating the diversity of divine representation, you can work on integrating these virtues into your life, thus enriching your personal journey towards being prepared for heaven.
• Create a visual transformation timeline to track personal growth, marking milestones with symbols that represent faithfulness, such as doves or olive branches. By visually mapping out your journey, you can reflect on the progress you've made and the role that trust in a higher power has played. For example, after overcoming a challenge, add a symbol to your timeline and take a moment to acknowledge the spiritual support that helped you through it.

The Duty to Evangelize

This section addresses the believer’s responsibility to share the message of salvation with others. Tozer refutes the idea of believers who remain private or quiet, arguing that true faith is inherently expressive and compels us to tell others about the grace we’ve experienced. He connects the call to evangelize with the essence of God's love, which seeks to draw all people to Himself.

Disciples Can't Keep the Message of Salvation to Themselves

Tozer criticizes the notion of a silent, unexpressed faith, comparing it to a disordered mental state where individuals withdraw into themselves and refuse to communicate. He argues that God granted us a voice to express the wonders we experience internally, and that keeping silent about our faith betrays a spiritual deficiency.

He challenges those who claim that their faith is so holy they can't discuss it, suggesting this is often a cover for not having genuinely encountered God. Tozer emphasizes that we naturally talk about whatever is most important to us, and if God truly occupies the center of our being, we can’t help but speak of Him to those around us.

Spiritual Experiences and Jesus' Love Compel Gospel Sharing

Tozer argues that authentic spiritual encounters inherently involve a desire to share those blessings with others. As our devotion to God grows, we become more attentive to the needs of others, seeking to extend God's grace to them. Tozer contends that the drive to evangelize is not an obligation imposed by God but a natural overflow of the love He has poured into our hearts.

He cites several biblical examples of individuals who were compelled to share their newfound faith: the Samaritan woman who rushed into town to tell about her encounter with Jesus, and Moses, whose love for the Israelites led him to plead with God for their forgiveness, even offering to sacrifice his own salvation if necessary. Tozer points to these examples as evidence that genuine transformation inevitably leads to a passion for sharing the gospel with others.

Practical Tips

• Initiate a "Blessings Chain" on social media. Post a story or message about a blessing you've received or witnessed, and encourage your friends and followers to share their own stories or to pass on a blessing to someone else. Use a unique hashtag to track the spread of positivity and create a virtual community centered around the joy of giving.
• Create a "Needs Journal" to record observations of others' needs during your daily routine. Carry a small notebook or use a note-taking app on your phone to jot down moments when you notice someone could use help or support. This could be as simple as seeing a neighbor struggling to carry groceries or a coworker stressed about a deadline. The act of writing it down will reinforce your attentiveness and encourage you to act.
• Create small, love-inspired tokens to give away randomly. These could be as simple as cards with encouraging messages, handcrafted items, or even small plants. The act of creating and giving these tokens can be a personal reflection of the love you've received and a way to share it with others. When you hand someone a token, it's not just a physical gift but also an opportunity to engage in a conversation about the love that motivated you to share it.

Silence in Evangelism Shows Spiritual Deficiency

Tozer argues that silence about our beliefs reveals a lack of authentic spirituality. He contends that those who claim to have no need to share the gospel with others likely haven't encountered the transformative power of divine grace themselves. They lack the overflowing love and urgency that compel genuine disciples to spread Christ's message.

He criticizes those who claim they can worship God in isolation, rejecting fellowship with fellow Christians and neglecting the call to evangelize. Tozer contends that this withdrawal from the Christian community indicates a self-centered approach to faith, focusing on personal benefits instead of God's desire to reach the lost.

Other Perspectives

• The act of evangelism is not the sole indicator of spiritual authenticity; some may express their spirituality through actions of service and love without verbal proclamation.
• Cultural and social contexts can influence how and when individuals feel it is appropriate to share their faith.
• Worshiping God in isolation can be a deeply personal and valid form of spirituality for those who may feel closer to the divine in solitude.
• The New Testament suggests that the body of Christ is made up of many parts with different functions, implying that not everyone's primary role is to evangelize.
• Withdrawal could be a response to a perceived lack of authenticity or depth in the community, prompting a search for a more meaningful connection with God outside of the traditional fellowship.

Christ Followers Must Spread the Gospel to All Nations

Tozer connects the individual believer’s responsibility to share the gospel with the broader mission of the church to spread the message worldwide. He emphasizes that this call, known as the Great Commission, is not an optional extra for those who feel passionate about missions but a core mandate for every follower of Jesus.

Tozer emphasizes the urgency and significance of this task, reminding readers that the gospel message holds eternal significance for every person on earth. He challenges the faithful to embrace their role as Jesus' ambassadors, proclaiming His truth boldly and faithfully, regardless of the potential cost or opposition.

Great Commission Calls Believers to Proclaim Gospel Message

Tozer clarifies that the Great Commission is not simply about persuading people to join a religious organization or adopt moral principles. It’s about making disciples, guiding individuals into a true, transformative connection with Christ. This involves sharing the message of salvation, teaching them to obey Christ’s commands, and equipping them to live as His faithful followers.

He emphasizes that evangelism requires more than just mental agreement; it involves a heart transformation and a willingness to wholeheartedly commit to Jesus. Tozer argues that discipleship is not a matter of “selling” Jesus or using gimmicks to gain converts. It’s about faithfully presenting God’s truth and allowing the Spirit to work in the inner being of those who hear.

Practical Tips

• Create a digital storytelling project to share personal experiences of faith and growth. By using a simple video editing app on your smartphone, you can record and edit short videos that illustrate how you've encountered and applied the teachings of Christ in your life. Share these videos on social media platforms with a supportive community that appreciates such content, fostering an environment of shared learning and encouragement.

Other Perspectives

• There is a perspective that evangelism should be inclusive of diverse approaches, including those that prioritize social justice or community service, rather than focusing solely on heart transformation.
• It could be pointed out that the reliance on the Spirit to work in individuals may not always resonate with people who value empirical evidence or a rational approach to belief systems.

Sharing Faith Requires Boldness and Withstanding Persecution

Tozer challenges the tendency to downplay the potential cost of sharing the gospel. He reminds readers that Christ faced rejection, persecution, and ultimately death for proclaiming God’s truth. Tozer argues that genuine faith often requires us to stand for what we believe, even if it means facing opposition and hostility.

He encourages followers of the faith to reject a comfortable, passive approach to their religion that avoids confrontation or controversy. Tozer contends that a willingness to face persecution for Christ’s sake is a mark of true discipleship, demonstrating a commitment to God’s kingdom that transcends our own comfort and security.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your understanding of the costs associated with sharing beliefs by keeping a reflective journal. Start by writing down your experiences whenever you share your beliefs with others, noting not just the financial implications but also the emotional, social, and time costs involved. This practice will help you gain a clearer picture of the true investment you're making and may reveal insights into the personal sacrifices and the impact on your relationships.
• Start a discussion group focused on challenging and deepening your understanding of religious texts. This encourages active engagement with your faith through conversation and debate, rather than passive reading. You could meet weekly and choose a different passage to discuss each time, ensuring that the process is dynamic and thought-provoking.
• Dedicate a portion of your income to support a cause that aligns with your values, even if it means sacrificing personal luxuries. This financial commitment can be a tangible expression of prioritizing higher principles over personal comfort.