In His Steps by Charles Sheldon – I had read this book before as a teenager.
I’m struggling to express my thoughts regarding this book. On the one hand, I understand his heart’s premise. Mr. Sheldon was calling people to be willing to live for Christ every day, everywhere, and in everything.
I do have a few qualms. The Christians who take the pledge to ask “What would Jesus do?” for a year suddenly begin doing “astonishing” things, such as praying before preparing a sermon, finding fellowship with other believers, feeling God’s presence, growing a desire to do something for Christ, or developing a love for other people. I would argue that what Mr. Sheldon described was not lax Christians who made a pledge, but unbelievers who met Christ.
“The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8
“The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:4-5
Mr. Sheldon further did not seem to credit God’s sovereignty enough. He talks at length about the dangers of the saloon tempting new Christians (who were former drunks) and goes so far to say that as long as the saloons existed, the work of sharing Jesus among the poor and drunken would be a “waste of Christian sacrifice.” Jesus is stronger than anything. The fight against addiction can be astronomically difficult, but Christ can and will prevail, and will provide a manner of escape from temptation as He promised in Scripture.
Last, I know this book was written in a different time, but the author shows such a low opinion of the majority of those in the church, and talks so degradingly of those who are willing to provide money, clothing, and food to the poor, but don’t deliver it with their own hands, that I found the tone of the book, especially at the end, discouraging.
Overall, I will keep the book, because I appreciated the heart’s premise, the book made me think, and this copy belonged to my great-grandfather, but I would likely recommend it with caveats.
Rebekah Ryberg nee Jones, is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify the Lord with her books and stories…
