The Eagle and Child, episode 39.

Mere Christianity, book four, chapter nine. Counting the cost.

Hello, and welcome to the Eagle and Child, the hallowed pub of the Inklings.

This is a podcast where, each week, my friend Matt and I

share a beer and discuss the writings of the author known to the world as Clive Staples Lewis,

or C.S. Lewis, or just as Jack to his friends. My name is David, and I'm joined by a man who is

always a profit and never a loss in the balanced sheet of life. Matt.

I wish I could say that's true for the spiritual life. I think you're a prophet to me.

That's a very kind thing to say. But thankfully, even though I do know I'm in a deficit in a spiritual

life because of the grace of our Lord, that deficit has been filled.

And you can therefore be perfect.

And that'll make more sense to the listeners after this episode, because we're going to look at what Jesus meant, or at least what Lewis thinks Jesus meant, by the statement,

be ye therefore perfect.

What's the quotation for this week?

It comes from one of my favorite books, The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

And he says, costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field.

For the sake of it, a man will go and sell all that he has.

It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods.

It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble.

It is the call of Jesus Christ, at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.

Wonderful.

Although whenever I hear Dietrich Bonhofer quote, I hear it with a slight German accent in my head.

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