BROADCASTS.com

Welcome to Day 2117 of\xa0 Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.\nThis is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom\nBecoming A Radical Disciple 4 \u2013 Living a Simple and Balanced Life \u2013 Daily Wisdom\nPutnam Church Message \u2013 08/22/2021\nBecoming A Radical Disciple \u2013 Living A Simple and Balanced Life\nMy purpose in this series is to consider eight character traits of Christian discipleship that are often neglected and deserve to be taken seriously.\xa0In the past three weeks, we have explored Nonconformity, Christlikeness, Maturity, and Creation Care.\n\nLiving a Simple Life\n\nI suggest that the fifth characteristic of radical disciples is simplicity, especially regarding money and possessions. As Christians, citizens of God\u2019s kingdom, we claim to have received a new life from Jesus Christ. What lifestyle, then, is appropriate for us? In particular, how are our lives to be distinguished from the lifestyle of those who make no Christian profession?\xa0How should our lifestyle reflect the challenges of the present-day world?\n\nMuch of the world is alienated from God.\xa0Most people, especially in affluent countries, view the earth\u2019s resources differently, as if they own them. That is not the truth, for God has created the world for the enjoyment of all.\n\nWe live in a country where it is a dog-eat-dog world. We buy things we don\u2019t need to show off to people we don\u2019t like.\xa0The old saying goes, \u201cwe have to keep up with the Joneses.\u201d So our garages or attics overflow with stuff we rarely use, and then we have to spend more on storage units for the overflow. Then, when we die, we leave it all to our children and grandchildren, so they have to sort through it all and give most of it away, or worse, have to throw it out because it is no longer useful, if it ever was.\n\nAll of us should be shocked by the poverty of millions and disturbed by the injustices. The country of Haiti is a perfect example, as are many emerging nations.\xa0Yet, most of the time, we feel somewhat helpless about how to help effectively. Yet few of us desire to give up anything substantial to help.\n\nThere is nothing wrong with, nor should we ever envy, a person who, as a believer, has abundant resources by God\u2019s grace. It boils down to that familiar verse we also covered in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:19-21, \u201cDon\u2019t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. \xa0Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. \xa0Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.\u201d\n\nAs citizens of a kingdom, we have a higher calling.\xa0Those who live in affluent circumstances, including most Western cultures, must accept our responsibility to develop a more simplistic lifestyle and contribute generously to relief and evangelism.\n\nOf course, living a simple life requires prayerful wisdom, insight, and understanding. God expects us to be prudent with the resources he has given us to manage.\xa0God permits a few people to be abundantly wealthy, but their treasures must be stored up in heaven so they can effectively help others in need.\n\nSince we are only managers of all God has given us, our purpose today is to consider our responsibility in becoming a radical disciple and how that is connected to living a simple and balanced life. Of course, there are many advantages to living a simple life, but let\u2019s look at some essential aspects.\n\nFirst, it is less stressful, allowing us to slow down, smell the roses, and reflect on our lives.\xa0Second, it turns...