I'm going to share a couple quotes with you from a book I'm reading called, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. As you read this quote, I want you to examine only yourself...not your friends, family, co-workers or fellow church members. Just ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, where you fit in this.
I think it's so easy to blame the problems of the church on each other, but truth is we are each a part of the church. We often use the faults of others as excuses for our behavior when the only standard for our lives always has been and always will be Jesus. I believe that God is challenging each of us to allow ourselves to be transformed into His image as we learn to die to ourselves and embrace Jesus. Often our obedience is to avoid penalties or consequences which is why it's either grievous or short lived. God has invited us to know his extravegant and unending love and then poured that same love in us through His Holy Spirit.
It's so easy to get caught up in things that don't really matter and forget what's important. Here's the deal...Jesus is the star of this movie and we are merely extras! Now let's praise God that He treats us "extras" as royalty pouring out the very same love, favor and provision He has for Jesus. Often we forget that He created us....we didn't make Him up to serve our needs and fulfill our every wish. He's not a genie...He's God Almighty and what's more HE has chosen each of us have an intimate relationship with Him. Through Christ we have access to God! But yet we often choose the comforts of maintaing our control and fitting in over the adventure of truly walking with God.
Here are the quotes...
"Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they only want to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they are merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful life."
"Lukewarm people tend to choose what's is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think about thie actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks about their hearts and lives."
"Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion."
"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."
"Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacfrificing and risking for God."
So.....are you lukewarm? Let me hear from you.....
You should order this book...it will challenge you to give everything to God and live the way He intended you to.
http://www.crazylovebook.com/ check out the site!!!!
