I mentioned a couple of posts back that we are doing a bible study by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. I was born and raised in the church but I actually came to a crossroads where I had to decide if I believed everything I had always been taught. I had to make my faith my own and discover what that means… this was a very dark and sad time for me. Someday I hope to post about it, but I just don’t even know how to put it into words.
So, if you are a veteran (for lack of better words) Christian, this is a book that you should read. It will truly challenge you and make you ask yourself the questions that we are always SO afraid to confront… Am I doing enough? Am I living a lukewarm Christian life or am I on fire for Christ? Am I trusting God with everything or are there things I don’t want to give up yet… obviously this last one was a HUGE one for me.
It was so easy for me to let God have control over certain things in my life and hold other things away from Him; Fight with Him, challenge Him, question Him, doubt Him.
One of my favorite parts of our study is the discussion time with our group afterwords. We have been with this group about three years and not only do I love them, I respect what they have to say and am always amazed at how God twists and maneuvers our conversation. The chapter this week questioned how much we invest in our daily lives, how little we invest in our eternity, and if we truly love others as Christ loves us.
I know, big stuff! We invest so much money, stress, worry, time, thought into our daily lives. We are constantly thinking about what we have to do next, where we have to go, what we need to buy, etc. But if we were to truly think of this life as 1) only a stop on the way home and 2) all God’s, how would you really live. Everything we have in this life is not ours… we did not earn it, we do not deserve it, and if God chooses to take it or give it, we cannot control it.
If we truly had both of these attitudes our lives would look different, we would truly embody Christ. Francis Chan made two comments in this chapter that have just stuck with me. 1) Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers. As Christians our lives should look different, they shouldn’t make sense to someone who doesn’t have the mindset of eternity. 2) What are you doing right now that requires faith? Would you be living any differently if you didn’t believe in God?
This is not our home, we shouldn’t be preparing for tomorrow we should be preparing for forever… that will be our best life. Thoughts?
So true! It’s funny you mentioned that our lives shouldn’t make sense to unbelievers. It’s actually kind of a joke b/w my hubby and I because we always get “the look” when we make certain decisions because we don’t neccesarily care how ridiculous they might sound. We live by faith not by what the world might call logic. Sometimes during insecure moments I think “what are we doing” but it’s true, we may live in the world but we have to operate completely different than the rest of the world does!
Love the cute new design!
I agree…we totally spend too much time worry about our today issues. My DH is good about reminding me: in 10 years, will this REALLY really matter? – It’s tough to live a “different” life…and be secure in it. I have way too many people-pleasing tendencies. Trying each day though to live outside myself. Just having an outward (others) view helps me to focus on why God has me here on earth for a time. My constant struggle is doing what HE has in mind for my days, and being content with leaving the rest.- Great post…thanks for making us stop and think! Blog is looking super cute btw!
I read this book, and loved it! I think that we as people get confused on what we are here for on this earth, there is so much more! I am so happy you liked it!! 🙂
AWESOME post! Sounds like a great bible study. I’ll have to look into it. I know I’m really struggling right now to put Him first.
Great post Steph! I pray for you everyday and I love you so much!
p.s. I LOVE your new blog design!
Hey the pictures changed?!
Sounds like a great book!!
I love your blog and this post!!! Thanks for being such an encouragement to me in my Walk! 🙂
Sounds like a great book and study. I am happy you are enjoying it so much and are finding it useful in your walk with the Lord.
This is such a great post!
I feel the same way, I think I’m still having a harder time with that last point. I like to think that I would give up anything, but then I wonder if I’m just saying that because I don’t currently have anything that I *really* can’t go without right now.
I really like the part about how, as Christians, our lives should look different. I totally agree. And I hope mine does. One of my best friends, I think she believes in God, but not to the extent that I or others might (which is odd.. how do you only believe in something to an extent?), and I feel as though I can detect a hint of uncertainty in her tone when I talk about my beliefs.
My life would be meaningless without God. My belief and worship in and of God has given me a sense of security and comfort even in the worst of times. I’ve learned, especially over the last few months, to trust that God knows what is going to happen, and that whatever the outcome, He will bring me through it.
Awesome post. 🙂
i love francis chan! thank God we are best life is in the life to come!!! i think we are all too often too comfortable here when we should be longing to be at our real home in heaven. such a great post. i love your heart! your blog is presh. i’m from cali so i love cali girl blogs… yes, i have a slight bias towards them! : ) i’m your newest follower and can’t wait to read more. i like you already!
oopsies – it should say: “thank God that our best life is in the life to come!”
LOVE your blog……I was blog hopping and came upon it!! Im now a new follower of yours!!! Head over to my blog and check it out!! Im also hosting a giveaway!!! And picking the winner next week!!! Good luck!!!
What a great reminder for us all! So easy to forget too.
Thanks for stopping by- my domain change messed everything up! LOL Glad you found me again.
Blessings,
LMM
I love Francis Chan. He was our speaker one summer up at Hume Lake Christian Camps when I was in high school and it was amazing. This book is on my list to read and I think you may have bumped it up the list. 🙂
Crazy Love really challenged Chris and I when we read it about a year ago. It just reminded us how much we are supposed to sacrifice and how little the things to which we devote ourselves matter.