Before we get into what Francis Chan has to say concerning us 'Lukewarm People' please read some scripture: Matthew 13:1-23.
Now, the reason I had you read this was to put into perspective how we are to approach all that's been said concerning seeds and soil. How we need to look at our situation at hand and take an honest and hard look at where we're at spiritually. In his book, 'Crazy Love,' Francis Chan says multiple times: 'Do not assume you are good soil'. Wow, how true indeed. I mean, we're all distracted by the thorns of this life and it takes away from what God offers us-true life and true happiness. We have a nasty tendency to mess it up. Too often when we're broken, empty, and feel lost...it's because of our own doing. David Goetz writes, 'too much of a the good life ends up being toxic, deforming spirituality.' Good things by themselves are fine, but all of it together keeps us from being truly happy and filled.
The questions becomes...has your relationship changed the way you live? Or are you choking it out by spending too much time, energy, and money on things that don't matter? (Francis Chan)
It's just something to think about...now onto 'The Profile of the Lukewarm':
Lukewarm People say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives. Luke 9:57-62.
Lukewarm People love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors, missionaries, and radicals. Matt. 22:37-38.
Lukewarm People love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is especially focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back...their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matt. 5:43-47.
Lukewarm People will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give. Luke 18:21-25.
I think that's enough for today. There's plenty more where that came from. Again, if you're interested in the book it's called: Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I was able to see him in person two years in a row at the National Youth Workers Convention. He's an amazing speaker with amazing insight.
He essentially called out over 6,200 youth workers to get serious about Jesus and to do our part in re-energizing the churches for God! So, I hope you get a lot out of this mini-blog series because there are plenty more scripture based truths out there for your to chew on...until next time: READ UP and PRAY UP!
3 comments:
I love hearing this parable, it makes me think of my Christian walk with Christ and where I really stand. Thanks for the reminder, well put and thanks for calling me out. I need that to keep me honest...I loved the verses, and how true they are! Again thanks again and wonderful job!! I hope whoever reads your blogs, God speaks through him and touches their hearts, I know I have been touched through your blogs...thanks honey bunches for your commitment! :)
inconvenient truths indeed! i havent read the first but this is a bit of a splash of ice water to the face. hah its good to see through the... idk haze of things that we do. this is a good reminder that Jesus said to love as He loved, not love as the world says to love. big difference, as shown by the lukewarm stuff. and the Luke verses about loving your enemies. i like those..
in response to your question, why do bad things happen to good people?
i have a few ideas..
first off, this is a fallen world, so things arent as they were meant to be in the first place. they will be 'reset'/destroyed later, but until then things will continue to be messed up.
you could debate the meaning of good/bad, and what effect perspective has on that.
also, if 'good people' means anyone who is working for God/His Kingdom, then it is quite silly to think that there is nobody who is trying to work against Him. after all, when God wins, someone else has to lose, right? and when that someone else is as arrogant/conceited enough to think that he can oppose God, why would that arrogant being stop fighting, after all, arrogant humans rarely stop fighting, even if they know they will lose. (i dont mean that as an insult, it is sometimes inspiring to watch someone try something that has been deemed 'impossible' but there are limits i suppose.)
kinda got sidetracked there.. anyway, in conclusion, we are in the middle of a war, and it is foolish to think that there will be no casualties; even victory comes at a cost.
what are your thoughts?
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