"Radical" Book Review

I recently finished reading the book “Radical” by David Platt, a complimentary book that was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for review purposes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was thought provoking as well as spiritually convicting. While I would have liked to have seen a few more scripture references listed within the reading, the book is scripturally sound and something every one of us needs to think about and act upon. My views have changed immensely and still I have a long way to go in changing my thoughts and actions in order to truly fulfill the request of Christ in my life. In the book, we are reminded that “the gospel is the revelation of who God is, who we are, and how we can be reconciled to him.” (28) This really hit home. While I knew mentally that we are to be reconciled to God, reconciliation to God is not how I always live my life. I realize that all too often I am trying to make God fit into my mold instead of trying to make myself fit into God’s mold. Platt also states that the “Biblical proclamation of the gospel…demands and enables us to turn from our sin, to take up our cross, to die to ourselves, and to follow Jesus…Jesus is no longer one to be accepted or invited in but one who is infinitely worthy of our immediate and total surrender.” (39) Oh how this statement rang true in my ears. We need to surrender our lives to Jesus and live for Him. Mere acceptance just simply isn’t enough. It is this “total surrender” that He needs from us. Granted it is not easy to surrender and something each of us do daily and most often fail miserably daily but the key is in surrendering daily. Platt has given an excellent challenge to today’s church. I would completely recommend this book to others and have actually already referred to ideas found in the book in my everyday conversations.