I wish I would have read "Radical" by David Platt years ago. It is a book that I will read yearly. This book made me examine my life and how I am following Christ. Am I just merely following religious rituals or do I have complete surrender to Christ? Have I surrendered my life to Christ and ready to radically follow Him?

This book addresses how comfortable Christianity has become in our modern society, where many claim to be followers of Christ but are not living out the radical implications of the Gospel. Platt confronts the reader with the uncomfortable truth that Jesus never intended for his disciples to lead safe and comfortable lives, but rather to be fully committed to advancing the Kingdom of God.

Platt shares personal stories and experiences that highlight the contrast between the materialistic culture we live in and the sacrificial lifestyle that Jesus calls us to embrace. He challenges the reader to examine their priorities, to evaluate how they use their time, talents, and resources, and to consider how they can make a tangible impact in a world desperately in need of the transformative power of the Gospel. The stories he shares are ones that cause you to think about your own life.

"Radical" gives its reader the chance to take action. Platt provides practical suggestions and calls readers to step out of their comfort zones and engage in radical acts of compassion, generosity, and mission. He emphasizes the importance of global missions and encourages readers to consider how they can be involved in reaching the unreached.

However, some readers may find the book's message challenging and uncomfortable. Platt causes the reader to examine their life and they might not like it. I know for myself I thought I was doing pretty good, sharing the gospel is important and we all need to be doing it. Missions is hugely important too. How would I feel if one or more of MY kids went on the mission field in a remote and dangerous area? What if I go years without seeing them or rarely get to talk to them? Would I be excited for them to go? 

At the end of the book Platt gives a Radical Experiment. There are 5 areas to commit to for one year. This gives an opportunity to permanently change your life. Taking a year out of your life and you don't see any results then in the big scheme of things it's not a long time that you have given up. Praying for the world, reading the entire Word, sacrificing money for a specific purpose, spending time in another context, and committing your life to multiplying community will have some type of impact on your life. To fully understand these you need to read the book. Possibly I will make these my next challenge. 

Overall, "Radical" by David Platt is a stirring book that challenges you to examine your faith and embrace a radical commitment to following Jesus. It serves as a wake-up call to the complacency and self-centeredness that can often describe our Christian walk. Regardless of whether readers fully embrace all of Platt's proposals, the book will undoubtedly provoke thoughtful reflection and inspire a deeper devotion to Christ. I can’t recommend this book enough.