Hot or Cold ... or Lukewarm?

In his engaging, refreshing book, CRAZY LOVE, pastor and author Francis Chan pulls no punches when it comes to challenging us to live an authentically radical faith, and in the process of doing so, becoming Christ-obsessed instead of being self-obsessed.  Digging into the truths of Scripture in a clearly written, no-nonsense style, he encourages us to get out of our self-satisfied complacency and begin to accurately evaluate how our faith impacts our day-to-day lifestyle.  He writes:

"LUKEWARM PEOPLE give money to charity and to church ... as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.  If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so ...

- vertical house -

LUKEWARM PEOPLE tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.  They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin.  They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act.  They assume such action is for 'extreme' Christians, not average ones ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends.  They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE gauge their morality or 'goodness' by comparing themselves to the secular world ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives.  But only a part.  They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE love others but do not seek to love others as they love themselves.  Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE will 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 ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be 'good enough' without it requiring too much of them ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE do not live by faith ... they don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens - they have their savings account ...

LUKEWARM PEOPLE probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever ..."

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm  - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth"

- Revelation 3:15-16.

I know who Christ is calling me to be.  And I know those areas where I need to ask Him to help me step it up a notch ... or two. 

I've got the feeling I'm not the only one.

Linda