Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,000+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
In His Steps summary
Charles M. Sheldon
Brief summary
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon tells the story of a pastor who challenges his congregation to live according to the question, "What would Jesus do?" It explores the transformative power of living out one's faith in practical ways.
Topics
Table of Contents
In His Steps
Summary of key ideas
A Call to Christian Discipleship
In the book In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon, we are introduced to a Reverend Henry Maxwell, a pastor in the fictional town of Raymond, who faces an unexpected challenge during a regular church service. A homeless man interrupts the congregation by questioning their practice of Christianity, highlighting the disparity between their fulfilled lives and his life of despair. Haunted by the man's death soon after, Maxwell encourages his wealthy congregation to start leading a Christian life of true discipleship.
Accepting this challenge, they pledge to ask themselves "What would Jesus do?" before making any decisions, a question that becomes a guide in their journey of living according to Jesus's teachings. This journey isn’t easy, as they find their comfortable lifestyles and commonly accepted societal norms at odds with the life of self-sacrifice and benevelence that Jesus lived.
A Test of Faith
The book further delves into their struggles and the profound changes in their lives. A successful newspaper owner, Edward Norman, starts publishing only the truth, regardless of losing readership and revenue. Rachel Winslow decides to use her musical talent in the local church instead of the grand opera stage. Virginia, a wealthy heiress, chooses to use her inheritance for the rehabilitation of the city's Rectangle district. Each character, in their unique way, gives up something valuable to live a more Christ-like life.
Alongside these personal transformation stories, Sheldon introduces a variety of social issues like alcoholism, unemployment, worker exploitation and town politics, emphasizing the need for Christians to take meaningful action. The effect of this new way of life extends beyond personal transformations and impacts the entire community, encouraging more people to walk 'in His steps.'
Christianity Beyond Rites and Rituals
As the narrative progresses, the characters' commitment to their pledge faces more complex challenges, and their faith is put to test. Sheldon demonstrates through his characters that achieving Christian ideals isn't a matter of following church practices but calls for a higher commitment and deeper understanding of humanity. The second part of the book explores the spread of this Christian movement in other cities like Chicago, with Sheldon highlighting how society could transform if everyone lived the way Jesus did.
For instance, a business tycoon, Milton Wright, adopts a more compassionate approach, providing welfare for his employees. Playwright Loreen decides to write a play depicting Christ's philosophy in the modern world, despite the risk of it being rejected by conventional theatres. These unfolding events reinforce Sheldon's premise that following Christ's teachings sincerely could lead to a more equitable and compassionate world.
A Christian Utopia
In the concluding chapters, Sheldon shows a transformed Raymond city, where previously struggling communities are now prosperous and ethical practices have replaced dishonesty in business and politics. This vision represents a Christian Utopia, underscoring Sheldon’s belief in the power of true Christian living in fostering social justice and equality.
In conclusion, In His Steps challenges Christians to truly live the teachings of Christ in their daily life. By questioning "What would Jesus do?", it offers readers a fresh perspective on discipleship and the transformative power of benevolence, moving beyond Sunday preaching to living the faith every day, thus impacting societal change. The book remains a seminal work in Christian literature, inspiring the modern-day Christian discipleship movement.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is In His Steps about?
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to live as a Christian. Through the story of a pastor and his congregation, the book raises powerful questions about walking in the footsteps of Jesus and making decisions based on his teachings. It serves as an inspiring call to action, urging readers to ask themselves, "What would Jesus do?" in their own lives.
Who should read In His Steps?
- Readers searching for a thought-provoking and introspective narrative
- Individuals interested in exploring the intersection between faith and social justice
- Anyone looking for a book that encourages ethical decision-making in everyday life
Categories with In His Steps
Book summaries like In His Steps
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
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.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
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.
Jonathan A.
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.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
28 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth