Book Review: In His Steps

Some time ago I read something of a classic work, titled In His Steps, by Rev. Charles Sheldon. An engaging novel, it tells the story of a church that is powerfully revived when a core group commit together to becoming true disciples of Jesus. Led by their pastor, Henry Maxwell, the group embark on a solemn journey of submitting all their aspirations, skills, careers, relationships, and every-day decisions to the Lordship of Jesus Christ … regardless of personal cost. Their commitment does indeed prove costly, however, each participant is rewarded with a fragrant, deeper Christian life they never dreamt possible.

This move of God in their midst is sparked most unexpectedly when a gentle, homeless man visits their church meeting and asks some awkward questions. Rev. Maxwell perceives the Lord in the visit and, with a repentant heart, he leads his congregation in fresh consecration and a renewed love for the oppressed in their city. As with any genuine revival, the heat and light is not welcome by all and a sifting takes place amongst the church members.

The book is challenging and refreshing at the same time. It asks the tough questions. Pastor Maxwell’s friend reflects: “Martyrdom is a lost art with us. Our Christianity loves its ease and comfort too well to take up anything so rough and heavy as a cross. And yet what does Jesus mean? What is it to walk in His steps?”

Compiled from a series of sermons in 1896, In His Steps was initially turned down by three different publishers. This was followed by a copyright bungle that saw the book relegated to “the public domain.” Without copyright status, the book was released by several publishers and became a bestseller around the world. To date, it has sold in excess of 30 million copies. Rev. Sheldon received almost no royalties from the book and yet, in the Spirit of Christ that he so aptly illustrated in the book, Sheldon was not embittered and instead rejoiced that the defective copyright was used by the Lord for unprecedented good. 

The book is available from Christian bookshops. I picked mine up in an op-shop.

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. 1 Pet 2:21