Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a famous theologian who died in a
concentration camp during World War II.
He was sent there because of his role in a failed assassination attempt
on Adolf Hitler. However, while in the
camp, he ministered to those around him in a way that brought hope and courage
in the middle of hell on earth. By the
grace of God, he also wrote letters and books on Christian living while in the
camp.
One of Bonhoeffer's famous works is The Cost of
Discipleship. Without pulling any
punches, this book describes the true nature of God's grace through Jesus'
life, death, and resurrection - and also the ramifications it has on Christian
life. The entire book is full of deep theology expressing itself in the life of Christian's walking with Jesus.
However, three main points were driven into my heart while reading. First, our eyes should always be on Jesus -
when Jesus calls us to himself, we give our entire lives, our whole beings over
to him. That can mean leaving our jobs,
our activities, our safety...all for the sake of Christ. Second, obedience to Christ is not something
to be thought about, not something to be considered, but simply to be done
(love God, and love your neighbor as yourself).
The entire second part of The Cost of Discipleship is given over
to carefully working through the Sermon on the Mount and obedience. Third, the way to follow Jesus is difficult -
and in the end it all comes back to God's grace. That doesn't mean we abuse God's grace...it
just means we live for God and leave the rest to Jesus.
The above paragraph is a far oversimplified version of what
Bonhoeffer is trying to do, but it's a fair, short synopsis. One deep one-liner (of many) that may help
illuminate the depth Bonhoeffer goes into is this: "And if we ask how we are to know where
our hearts are, the answer is just as simple- everything which hinders us from loving
God above all things and acts as a barrier between ourselves and our obedience
to Jesus is our treasure, and the place where our heart is" (175). Upon reflection, this statement drove me to
repentance - how many of my thoughts, actions, attitudes, and possessions
create even a hint of a barrier between God and I? Is my heart truly with God?
One Line Summary: Buy this book and read it. This is definitely a crucial work to reflect
on and live with over the course of a month or two. It can help build on God's current foundation
in our lives while challenging us to greater heights of living like Jesus.
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