I didn't lock into Crazy Love until Chapter 4

It was then that Francis Chan started stirring up the pot for me.  Don't get me wrong, there is much to say for the first three chapters.  But I wasn't sure where he was going with it all till Chapter 4, "Profile of the Lukewarm".

We're reading the book together as a KIVU staff and we've been posting some thoughts as we read it.  Andy just posted his thoughts on Chapter 2 today.  Join us as we read a book every month.

Here's a snapshot of Chapter 4:

Lukewarm people...

"don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin."

"are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act."

"love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves."

"rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor."

"do not live by faith; their lives as structured so they never have to."

I started to think about how easy it is to be a Christian in North America.  I like to frequent a restaurant here in town called the Himalayan.  Not only is their food amazing but their hospitality is unmatched.  Many of our camp staff befriended a man named Andy this summer.  He is a Christian and lives in Tibet.  Every time I come in to the restaurant Andy will take at least 15 minutes of his time as a server to sit down with me and chat. 

He tells me stories of the challenges of persecution in his hometown where being a Christian is unwelcomed.  This, of course, is a common story among roughly 70% of Christianity worldwide.  Jesus clearly stated that our faith would be met with conflict. 

But for some reason we have escaped those real, tangible threats here in North America.  And it has caused the waters of our faith to become lukewarm.  There is little cost to making a decision for Christ.  There are in fact many who see no need for Christ.  We have everything we need! 

I'm challenged by Francis Chan's words here.  How do we break out of our cultural comfort and break in to the life of radically following Jesus?

I think Chan has some ideas here in the upcoming chapters.  Keep reading with us!  And join the conversation with your thoughts.

Comments

[Tracey]

good thoughts, I liked the book, just want to make sure love I give is empowered by the Holy Spirit not just vain efforts and works.