The reality is, we need community in order to follow Christ radically. I am convinced that one reason many of us have not taken radical steps in our giving, for example, may not be so much because we love our possessions as it is because we fear isolation. If the radical, simple living we see Jesus talking about were more common in the church, it would be much easier for us to live simply as well. But we look around, and everyone else has nice cars, nice homes, and lifestyles characterized by luxuries, so we accept that this must be the norm for Christians. We may get convicted about our way of living when we look at the Bible, but then when we look at one another, we assume it must be okay because everyone else lives this way.

Platt, David (2010-04-17). Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream (pp. 205-206). Random House, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

I have never met a person I could despair of, or lose all hope for, after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God.

- Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest, June 17 devotional

Yesterday this was the inspirational quote on the wall on the gym that I go to:

“Don’t quit now.  You’re already in pain.  You’re already hurt.  Don’t miss out on the rewards.”

I found that to be close to one of our favorite verses to quote to encourage one another to persevere:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

May you persevere today for the reward of becoming more like Jesus.