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In His steps summary
Brief summary
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to live out one's faith. Through the lives of relatable characters, it explores the concept of walking in Jesus' footsteps in daily decisions and actions.
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In His steps
Summary of key ideas
The Challenge of Following in Jesus' Steps
In In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon, the story begins with a sermon delivered by Reverend Henry Maxwell, the pastor of the First Church in the town of Raymond. A homeless man named Jack Manning interrupts the service, asking for help and challenging the congregation to live their lives as Jesus would. This encounter prompts Reverend Maxwell to ask the question, 'What would Jesus do?' before making any decision.
The congregation is initially skeptical of this idea, but a small group, including the newspaper editor, the wealthy young woman, the singer, and the railroad mogul, accept the challenge. They commit to living their lives according to this principle for a year and see where it leads them.
The Impact of Following Jesus' Example
As the year progresses, the lives of these individuals are significantly altered. The newspaper editor, for instance, decides to stop publishing any material that he deems harmful, including advertisements for alcohol and tobacco. The wealthy young woman, Rachel Winslow, uses her wealth to establish a Christian mission in the slums of Raymond.
However, the choices they make also come with consequences. The newspaper loses advertisers, and Rachel's father disowns her. The singer, Virginia, loses her job because she refuses to sing in a saloon. The railroad mogul, Alexander Powers, faces opposition from his board when he decides to run his business according to Christian principles. Despite these difficulties, the group remains committed to their pledge.
Challenges to the 'What Would Jesus Do?' Principle
As the year comes to a close, the group reflects on their experiences. They acknowledge that living by the 'What would Jesus do?' principle is not easy. They also recognize that their actions have not transformed the entire town of Raymond as they had initially hoped. However, they believe that their individual changes have made a positive impact on the lives of those around them.
Despite their commitment, the group also faces criticism and opposition from those who do not understand their actions. The Reverend Maxwell is even asked to step down from his position because his radical ideas have led to a decline in the church's finances and popularity.
The Cost of Following Christ
As the book concludes, the small group reflects on the challenges and blessings of living by the 'What would Jesus do?' principle. They acknowledge that following Christ comes with a cost, but they also affirm that it is a cost worth paying. They have seen the positive impact of their actions on the lives of others, and they have grown closer to God in the process.
In conclusion, In His Steps is a thought-provoking and challenging novel that explores what it truly means to live as a Christian. By asking the question, 'What would Jesus do?' the characters in the story are forced to confront their attitudes, actions, and priorities. The book encourages readers to consider how they might live their lives differently if they were to follow Jesus' example more closely.
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What is In His steps about?
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to live a life dedicated to following in the footsteps of Jesus. When a group of church members pledge to ask themselves "What would Jesus do?" before making any decision, their lives are transformed in unexpected ways. This inspiring book prompts us to reflect on our own actions and choices, and the impact they have on others.
In His steps Review
In His Steps (1896) is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider living their lives in alignment with Christian values. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a compelling exploration of what it truly means to follow in Jesus' footsteps in daily life, prompting deep reflection and self-examination.
- Portrays realistic and diverse characters facing moral dilemmas, making the lessons about faith and sacrifice applicable to a wide audience.
- Keeps readers engaged by blending spiritual insights with social issues, creating a dynamic narrative that is both enlightening and inspiring.
Who should read In His steps?
Readers seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian teachings and principles
Individuals looking for guidance on how to live a more purposeful and meaningful life
Those interested in exploring the concept of social justice and its relevance to their personal beliefs
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In His steps FAQs
What is the main message of In His Steps?
Following Jesus' path of selfless sacrifice and love transforms lives and inspires others to do the same.
How long does it take to read In His Steps?
Reading In His Steps will typically take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is In His Steps a good book? Is it worth reading?
In His Steps is a compelling read, emphasizing the power of living out one's faith in daily actions and decisions.
Who is the author of In His Steps?
Charles M. Sheldon is the author of In His Steps.
What to read after In His steps?
If you're wondering what to read next after In His steps, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan