I got this book on the recommendation of a friend, and because I had previously read and enjoyed the booklet "Lord, Break Me!" (which is included in this edition of "True Discipleship" as well). Overall, I highly recommend it, especially for those who don't read many teaching books. The author's style is neither stuffy nor over-scholarly; his is the voice of a down-to-earth man of God, calling us earnestly to a deeper commitment in following Christ.
The one thing I didn't totally agree with in the book (and the reason I'm giving it only four stars) was the way the author addressed the issue of wealth, and specifically the question of saving for the future. It seems that, in his view, the act of setting aside anything for future needs equates to "laying up treasures on earth," and as such, constitutes disobedience to the commands of Christ, per se. Likewise, he seems to consider that Jesus' instruction to the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22 should be taken as a direct command to every believer.
It seems to me that interpreting the Scriptures in this way, risks missing the point of what Jesus was teaching. We must forsake *everything* to follow Him - not just money and possessions, but our families, our reputations, and even our own lives. We must let go of these things in our hearts, and never let them take the place that belongs to our Lord alone. This, however, doesn't mean that everyone must actually divest themselves of all earthly possessions beyond bare necessities, any more than it means everyone must physically leave their home and family in order to preach the Gospel.
True, earthly riches are the focus of many warnings in Scripture, but I think it's for the same reason that parents are very careful to teach children about fire: not because it's inherently evil, but because it's extremely dangerous. Money has the power to bring out the human capacity for sin like almost nothing else, because it represents power to get everything the flesh wants. As Christians, we must handle wealth and possessions in the same way we would handle explosives: very, very carefully.
Granted, it's much safer, spiritually speaking, to be poor. But it's clear to me from Scripture that this isn't God's design for everyone in the body Christ. In 1 Tim. 6:17, Paul makes it clear that there are rich people in the church, whom Timothy is to carefully instruct in the proper use of the wealth of which they are stewards. Curiously, Mr. MacDonald does address this passage, but merely makes the point that there aren't enough ministers "charging the rich." This is doubtless true, but ignores what the apostle *didn't* say, namely that rich believers should immediately give away everything they own, beyond current necessities, and thus cease to be rich.
One irony of this review is that, in part, it curiously echoes a review of a book I wrote myself (a self-published work of Christian fiction). The reviewer in that case seemed to think *I* was being too hard on the rich and success-oriented. Since I believe she basically misunderstood the points I was trying to make, I can't assume I'm not doing the same with Mr. MacDonald's work. Based on the testimony he left behind (he passed on to glory in 2007) I feel certain that his life displayed a greater devotion to Christ than mine has, or probably ever will. Regardless of any difference in emphasis, or understanding of certain issues, I remain thankful for the faithfulness of such godly men, who shake us out of our complacence, and remind us what it means to "take up the cross" and follow the humble Lamb of God.