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Welcome to Day 2117 of\xa0 Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Becoming A Radical Disciple 4 \u2013 Living a Simple and Balanced Life \u2013 Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message \u2013 08/22/2021 Becoming A Radical Disciple \u2013 Living A Simple and Balanced Life My 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. \xa0 Living a Simple Life \xa0 I suggest that the fifth characteristic of radical disciples is simplicity, especially regarding money and possessions. \xa0As Christians, citizens of God\u2019s kingdom, we claim to have received a new life from Jesus Christ. What lifestyle, then, is appropriate for us? \xa0In particular, how are our lives to be distinguished from the lifestyle of those who make no Christian profession?\xa0 How should our lifestyle reflect the challenges of the present-day world? \xa0 Much of the world is alienated from God.\xa0 Most 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. \xa0 We 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.\xa0 The old saying goes, \u2018we have to keep up with the Joneses.\u2019 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. \xa0 All 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.\xa0 Yet, 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. \xa0 There 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. \xa0 As citizens of a kingdom, we have a higher calling.\xa0 Those 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. \xa0 Of course, living a simple life requires prayerful wisdom, insight, and understanding.\xa0 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. \xa0 Since 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. \xa0...