Profile of the Lukewarm

Well, ladies and gentleman...that is the title for Chapter 4!

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. 

Are You Ready?

Chapter 2 is titled: You Might Not Finish This Chapter

If you just popped over and don't know why I am talking about chapter two you missed that I am doing virtual seminar: HERE

I loved this chapter. It was a gentle slap upside the head that I needed.

The emphasis on selfishness, stress and simply "getting over yourself" is frankly something we all need to hear.


I loved this:

"In about 50 years (give or take a couple of decades), no one will remember you. Everyone you know will be dead. Certainly no one will care what job you had, what car you drove, what school you attended, or what clothes you wore. This can be terrifying or reassuring, or maybe a mix of both." Crazy Love by Chan pg 46

So, why is that so comforting?  So, reassuring?

For me it just helped me realize I do not want to live this life to be immortalized in the story of "me"! The story that matters is God's story.

So, evaluating the importance of where I fit and how I align my life up with HIStory and who I am before God is what really matters.



This weeks Questions for discussion:
1. On page 40 Francis Chan quotes Fredrick Buechner. “Intellectually we all know that we will die, but we do not really know it in the sense that the knowledge becomes a part of us. We do not really know it in the sense of living as though it were true. On the contrary, we tend to live as though our lives would go on forever.”

Why do you think we live as though our lives will go on forever?
This may sound strange: but I don't.  I live with an ever present thought that I will be dead.  As a matter of fact at the table this morning I was joking with my husband about the type of picture I wanted in my obituary.  I think I decided on "Thumbs in ears, fingers raised, tongue sticking out, doing the nanny-nanny-boo-boo face" and I haven't worked out the exact wording, but I told Trent I would; but something to the effect of "I am getting to see Jesus before you...Are you ready?"  and this was before reading the chapter--and I LOVED that! I'll have to work on it though... :)

I don't know if it because I have experienced parental loss, expected death, accidental death, eminent death, and faced the reality that I should have died several times.  The kicker for me: facing my own potential death by stroke at age 35. Life is fleeting...

While I may understand the reality of death I do miss the necessity of living a life of greater worth.  I loved that A.W.Tozer quote "A man by his sin may waste himself, which is to waste that which on earth is most like God. This is man's greatest tragedy and God's heaviest grief."
 
2. On page 42, Chan says the following:

“Worry implies that we don’t quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.”
“Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.”
“Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it’s okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance.”

Worry and stress are big deal things that affect virtually EVERYONE. What would it take for you to dump worry and stress completely?
 Win the Lottery!  Well, I guess I'd have to actually play for that to happen.  So, I'll choose death as my answer.  I know a more appropriate, church answer, would be to truly trust God. However, I only have seasons of success and moments of pure faith.  While I would say I truly trust God it is only moments that the worry and stress abandon.  I trust God, scared and shaking in my boots, hoping it will not be for loss and what I lose will be for gain.  ...and USUALLY that is the case; increasing trust...but I still worry :/ ugh!

Stop Praying.

Some advice that may take to you by surprise...unless you have read the first chapter of Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

In case you missed it...

I am participating in a "Virtual Seminar: Crazy Love"

I have decided to respond here and then copy my link to the seminar's blog as my responses tend to be long...surprise!

Just an aside...I am LOVING this study. and it is not too late to jump in!
Go here and jump in: http://crazylove2010.wordpress.com/

I love that video in incorporated into the study.  This one was pretty powerful!

Just. Stop. and. Think!  http://crazylovebook.com/videos_stop.html

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Questions for Discussion

1. Francis Chan says on page 21:
"I hope it (this book) affirms your desire for 'more God' even if you are surrounded by people who feel they have 'enough God'." What does it look like, in your opinion, to have
'enough God'?

Comfortable. I know these people because I am this way at times.  They hear of tragedies and aren't moved. Maybe sad...disappointed...think it's awful; but don't move.   They don't serve, unless it's themselves.  They have enough blessing; enough answered prayer to tickle their fancy and make them feel holy.  However, deep down they aren't holy.  They think they have "enough God" but if something were to truly rock them their foundation would be sinking sand.  They have enough answers to explain small stuff; enough faith to seem faithful...and their "enough" will leave them wanting "more than enough" sooner or later. 

2. Chan quotes R.C. Sproul on page 26. "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God." This is where a review of the first 10 or so verses of Isaiah chapter 6 becomes helpful. Where do you most often see the majesty of God displayed? Describe it.

 My first thought was a sunrise or sunset as God has so beautifully shown Himself to me in those moments. However, my answer is CHILD BIRTH.  Experiencing the miracle of child birth twice made me feel so connected to God.  A piece of His miracle.  I am often at birth's serving women in labor and it is amazing.  To be so near but absolutely useless except to be in awe of God.  You can comfort but the miracle is God's alone.  Worthy of praise, worthy of awe as a mother labors...and then the child fearfully and wonderfully made, fully known and touched by God, enters the world alive, for as long as God has ordered: moments or years, or born only in hearts; but leave an impact that is awe inspiring as it can only be God.  When you experience a love like that the majesty and awe of God is so evident.

3. Which of the attributes of God that Francis Chan listed in Chapter 1 resonates most deeply in your heart? Why?

 God is Holy.  I think it resonates with me most because it is an attribute I long for in my life.  I desire to be holy as Christ is holy.  It also is just something that gives me peace to know God is Holy.  

4. From the Week 1 video - Chan says that sometimes we become so familiar with someone they become common to us. Do you still have a sense of awe for God? If yes, how does that affect you? How do you express that sense of awe?

I do have a sense of awe for God? but like Chan puts it sometimes you "forget".  The awe comes in the moments where He surprises me with His glory. I love that He chooses to do that for me (and you).  When I am going along about my business and God surprises me with how GOOD HE IS! Sometimes it is as silly as a font row parking place when it's raining. Sometimes it's words that only He knew I needed to hear.  Sometimes it's awareness of beauty in the something that is awful. My favorite is a moment, unaware, where He just let's me know He's there.  Sometimes it's a miracle that can only be God! and that usually bring tears...followed by a deep feel of unworthiness...followed by gratitude that He counts me worthy because of Christ...followed by more faith, more hope, more love, waiting in expectation for the next Awe-filled moment! 
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Believe it or not...these were my short answers :)

If you aren't participating in the study still feel free to chime in on anything you would like to add. 

Crazy Love!

I have heard about it...

I have had a desire to read it...

For months...

Now a great friend of mine, Jim,  is doing a "Virtual Seminar" and invited me to join. 

Woo Hoo! 

If you want in we are starting today.  The BLOG is HERE: http://crazylove2010.wordpress.com/

You have assignments that you have one week to finish.  This will include reading, watching videos, and the responding to questions via the blog. 

I am excited if you can't tell!

Join us if you like!