I will read a book a day if given the opportunity. Dan likes to savor them a bit longer so he rarely finishes a book before me. Nor do we usually read the same books. "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan is the exception. Someone gave us a copy of this book last week and since then Dan and I have been taking turns reading chapters whenever either of us puts it down. Yesterday Dan acutally finished the book before me. That alone should inspire you to read this book.
I'll admit it. I am selfish and full of pride. (I'm sure you hadn't noticed.) It is easy for me to think that we are living the missionary dream. We live in the slums on very little money and sold everything to come here. We gave it all up for Christ. And yet after reading this book I felt very small and ashamed at my pride. I realized that no matter what walk of life we are in or where we live we can always learn more about God. We can never out-give God.
This book touches a lot of "sore" areas in my heart. The author talks about living on less, downsizing so that you can give more to the poor and needy. Radical right? What? Live in a 1,000 square foot house instead of a 7,000 square foot house? Impossible! The American Dream can be very insistent and our entertainment rules. Here is just one quote that shook me.
Most of us use "I'm waiting for God to reveal His calling on my life" as a means of avoiding action. Did you hear God calling you to sit in front of the television yesterday? Or to go on your last vacation? Or exercise this morning? Probably not, but you still did it. The point isn't that vacations or exercise are wrong, but that we are quick to rationalize your entertainment and priorities yet are slow to commit to serving God." pg. 167
I don't want you to think this guy does nothing but chastise Christians in the book. It is a deeply personal and convicting book that encourages us to do something. If all we do is say, "wow, what a radical thought...great book" and we never change then what is the point?
He also says this: My suggestion as you think, make decisions, and discern how God would have you live is to ask yourself, "Is this the most loving way to do life? Am I loving my neighbor and my God by living where I live, by driving what I drive, by talking how I talk?"
We often have "Aha!" moments but don't act; in fact, we're famous for it in the church. Remember those retreat highs followed by the inevitable lull? Or the excitement you felt on your first mission trip but forgot shortly after returning home? Memories are wonderful, but do you live differently because of them?" pg. 164
Dan and I have had a lot to pray about and discuss this last week. As we seek God and ask ourselves where we can change and do with less and give more I find my excuses rapidly disappearing. I hope you'll go and get this book and examine yourselves too.
Thanks for all your prayers and support of the ministry here. Please pray for us as we make necessary changes. May we always be about God's glory in all we do!
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