This is the deepest chapter so far. It really challenges us to think about our walk with God and to think whether or not we are truly devoted to Him. He talks first about the parable of the sower found in Luke chapter 8. Francis Chan cautions: "Do not assume you are good soil." He says that a relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sins, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it. Basically, if it's more important that God, it's a bad thing to have. Is there something that has overtaken your relationship with God at some point in your life, now or in the past? Wait a minute. Did he say favorite sports teams? Hmmmm.
Francis writes:
- Lukewarm people attend church regularly. It's what "good Christians" do.
- Lukewarm people give money to charity/church as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.
- Lukewarm people choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.
- Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they only want to be saved from the penalty of their sin.
- Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act.
- Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends.
- Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and His is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a second of their time, money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.
- Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves.
- 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.
- Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.
- Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.
- Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty.
- Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control.
- Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they do not have to.
- Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever.
It is important to remember, like Francis says, none of us are perfect. It says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Be careful not to judge others either. This is a time to take a serious self-inventory, he says. I know if I really wanted to grow in my relationship with God, I'd start by identifying a couple of areas to work on and pray that God will help me change. Reading God's word on a particular topic will help me store His word in my heart and help change my mind about a certain area; to see it His way. What would be the number one thing you think God would want you to change? It's important to remember that we can never earn our salvation or earn God's love. Anything we do ought to be out of our love for Him and others.
If I had to summarize the profile of the lukewarm it's this: lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Does that sound like you? It sure sounds like me during different phases of my life. How can I make sure I have an eternal perspective?
Summary Questions:
- Is there something that has overtaken your relationship with God at some point in your life, now or in the past?
- Is there one of these descriptions that describe you?
- Is it easy to change? How do you foster change?
- What would be the number one thing you think God would want you to change?
- How can we make sure we have an eternal perspective?
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