I am sure you aren't keeping up...but I missed Chapter 3. My life "is" a bit hectic (by my own doing) and therefore I didn't get to participate.
So Chapter 4 is about LUKEWARM. and when your life is "seemingly" too busy to fit in about 45 minutes to answer a few questions about how you feel about God...
weeeelllll {said in a high pitched voice}...lukewarm might actually apply. Ouch!
I would have never actually thought of myself as "lukewarm" but as I read more and more about what a "Christ Life" demands of us and evaluate that with what I actually do. Lukewarm...though I hate to admit it...might fit.
I must confess something to you...I write in books. I mark 'em all up. I find quotes I like and underline them. The author kicks me in the gut, I note it. I draw asterisks all over the place! If something makes me cry...you may find a tear drawn there to commemorate it.
Oddly...the pages where Chan is profiling the lukewarm and providing subsequent back up scripture to why it isn't appropriate...EMPTY!
It's actually making me chuckle as I look back to make sure I am not a liar. empty.
No mark to point out: yep! That's me! right there when he describes
Now, I know that on the scale of where I was, where I am, where I want to be: there is always forward progress. Even if it's millimeters sometimes. I know I have no less love for God. No less Awe! I am overwhelmed by His goodness and faithfulness. but why can't I give it ALL!
Questions for Discussion:
“It is not scientific doubt, not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism, that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church-going, hollow-hearted prosperity.”
1. The quote above puts the spotlight of lukewarmness squarely on the shoulders of the church in America. What do you see in America and in the church today that substantiates or lends supports this statement? While I am about to state some "things" I notice...this does not mean that a church that does these things is "quenching the light of the gospel". Things that make me ill, personally, when we care more about the "building" than what we should be building (which is the kingdom of God). New carpet for our feet instead of washing the feet of those in need. Money on programs that serve the body instead of being the body.
2. I would argue that if you are doing this study of “Crazy Love” your life does not exhibit all or even most of the characteristics of lukewarmness. However, if you are like me, you were able to find yourself in more of these characteristics than you would care to admit. Share honestly which of these characteristics of lukewarmness hit you squarely between the eyes and why. While I could "excuse" my way out of most of the lukewarm profiles "just enough" to placate myself. Ad nauseum! The profile I keep coming back to is "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 sacrificing and risking for God." Why? I guess because that is where I am. Playing it safe. Not willing to risk. and I know God wants more and I am scared-as-all-get-out to give it to Him. Which leads to my next thought...it is HE that would give me the strength to do "it" therefore I wouldn't be doing it anyway...IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Any good thing! Lord help me :)
3. What changes do you plan to make or have you already made based on this week’s chapter on lukewarmness? Digging in His Word for strength and wisdom.
4 comments:
I already have this thought that God doesn't love me unless I have no money and am digging wells in Africa and that I am lukewarm otherwise. But I don't know. I think I need to just get rid of that thought and go from there.
I underline my books too!
Wow, lukewarm does fit today's society and I try not to be...I am sure I am, some??
kim
God's love is "steadfast." That's the best descriptor I can give it. He doesn't "long" for us; He doesn't "Crave" anything from us. He is just there...ever-loving, ever-patient, ever-knowing that we will eventually come back - by hook or by crook! He's already done all He's going to do. The rest is us to me. Having said that, I believe we also need to understand our limitations. There are many things that we WANT to do, but either don't have the strength, money or resources to do it. Today in our Bible Study, a woman gave a great analogy of God's love. "It's like God's love is this streetlamp that shines down on a limited area of nighttime pavement - a cone of light shining down in the darkness. If we walk under the light, we bask in His love, but we can't do anything to make the light move, go dimmer or grow brighter...all we can do is extend our hands out into the darkness and pull others under the marvelous light." I thought that was beautiful.
Wishing you a blessed season!
Janet
www.homeward4.blogspot.com
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