So I am reading this book by Francis Chan. It’s called “Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God” and it is just awesome stuff. Francis is nailing us between the eyes with foundational truths about the person of God and our relationship to Him. I think we are going to make this our September kick off series and ask the entire congregation to read this book and participate in the small group companion study. No pulling punches here. Francis is putting out some heavy in your face challenging stuff. At the same time, what he is putting out there is really the basic, foundational crux of Christianity! He asks a simple and yet penetrating question to start things off. “Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it?”
Consider this challenging quote: “God is holy. In heaven exists a Being who decides whether or not I take another breath. This holy God deserves excellence, the very best I have. ‘But something is better than nothing!’ some protest. Really, is it? Does anyone enjoy token praise? I sure don’t. I’d rather you not say anything than compliment me out of obligation or guilt. Why would we think God is any different?
Later Francis writes: “We disgust God when we weigh and compare Him against the things of this world. It makes Him sick when we actually decide those things are better for us than God Himself. We believe we don’t need anything Jesus offers, but we fail to realize that slowly, almost imperceptibly, we are drifting downstream. And in the process we are becoming blind, being stripped naked, and turning into impoverished wretches…Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants? Do you believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life? Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?”
He’s got my attention. What about you?
I need to step out of the boat a little further today. How about you?
Pastor G
