Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to live out one's faith. Through the lives of relatable characters, it explores the concept of walking in Jesus' footsteps in daily decisions and actions.
In In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon, the story begins with a sermon delivered by Reverend Henry Maxwell, the pastor of the First Church in the town of Raymond. A homeless man named Jack Manning interrupts the service, asking for help and challenging the congregation to live their lives as Jesus would. This encounter prompts Reverend Maxwell to ask the question, 'What would Jesus do?' before making any decision.
The congregation is initially skeptical of this idea, but a small group, including the newspaper editor, the wealthy young woman, the singer, and the railroad mogul, accept the challenge. They commit to living their lives according to this principle for a year and see where it leads them.
As the year progresses, the lives of these individuals are significantly altered. The newspaper editor, for instance, decides to stop publishing any material that he deems harmful, including advertisements for alcohol and tobacco. The wealthy young woman, Rachel Winslow, uses her wealth to establish a Christian mission in the slums of Raymond.
However, the choices they make also come with consequences. The newspaper loses advertisers, and Rachel's father disowns her. The singer, Virginia, loses her job because she refuses to sing in a saloon. The railroad mogul, Alexander Powers, faces opposition from his board when he decides to run his business according to Christian principles. Despite these difficulties, the group remains committed to their pledge.
As the year comes to a close, the group reflects on their experiences. They acknowledge that living by the 'What would Jesus do?' principle is not easy. They also recognize that their actions have not transformed the entire town of Raymond as they had initially hoped. However, they believe that their individual changes have made a positive impact on the lives of those around them.
Despite their commitment, the group also faces criticism and opposition from those who do not understand their actions. The Reverend Maxwell is even asked to step down from his position because his radical ideas have led to a decline in the church's finances and popularity.
As the book concludes, the small group reflects on the challenges and blessings of living by the 'What would Jesus do?' principle. They acknowledge that following Christ comes with a cost, but they also affirm that it is a cost worth paying. They have seen the positive impact of their actions on the lives of others, and they have grown closer to God in the process.
In conclusion, In His Steps is a thought-provoking and challenging novel that explores what it truly means to live as a Christian. By asking the question, 'What would Jesus do?' the characters in the story are forced to confront their attitudes, actions, and priorities. The book encourages readers to consider how they might live their lives differently if they were to follow Jesus' example more closely.
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to live a life dedicated to following in the footsteps of Jesus. When a group of church members pledge to ask themselves "What would Jesus do?" before making any decision, their lives are transformed in unexpected ways. This inspiring book prompts us to reflect on our own actions and choices, and the impact they have on others.
Readers seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian teachings and principles
Individuals looking for guidance on how to live a more purposeful and meaningful life
Those interested in exploring the concept of social justice and its relevance to their personal beliefs
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma