Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" as I wrote here, is really doing surgery on my heart. In his chapter "Profile of the Lukewarm" he lists the characteristics of a Lukewarm Believer. See if any of them start "carving" on your heart...
Lukewarm people....
- ...attend church fairly regularly. It's what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.
- ...give money to charity and to the church... as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.
- ...tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.
- ...don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin... (think about that one for awhile)
- ...are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not want to change.
- ...rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends...
- ...gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world.
- ...say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed a part of their lives. But only a part.
- ...love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.
- ...love others but do not seed to love others as much as they love themselves.
- ...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.
- ...think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.
- ...are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.
- ...do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty.
- ...are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control.
- ...do not live by faith; their lives are structured so that they don't have to. Truth be told, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.
Wow! What's your heart's temperature?
Bob: Read Crazy Love several months ago and even blogged about it. We are getting ready to do the DVD study of it. Will let you know how it goes. Great book.
Posted by: bill (cycleguy) | Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Bob,
It was Chan's book that helped solidify my decision to stop balking at what I felt God calling me into (the pastorate and the Church in the Grass) and get to work.
I wonder how many others have been created for great things but let "security" "safety" and other excuses keep them from doing what they've been called to.
Are you thinking about a sermon series from the book? I'd love to hear it!
Posted by: Ken | Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Bill and Ken,
Thanks for the comments. Yes... there is a series in the works. Not sure when... but love Francis thoughts.
Posted by: Bob | Friday, March 20, 2009 at 08:33 AM