chapter 4

I am reading the book "Crazy Love" by Frances Chan. It is one of those books I have to take a slow pace, digest what I read, reflect on what it speaks to me, what it reflects.... it is an amazing book. I finished chapter 4 which was on the lukewarm christian.... ouch.... I also read a devotional this past week on selective tolerance and I kind of weaved them together in what I am thinking.... I think we are all guilty of being lukewarm in our relationship with Him on most occasions, I think we are lukewarm in our relationships with others in our lives, those we know and those that are placed in front of us.... I know.... sounds like a harsh word, a harsh statement....

He talked about our money... how we hold on to it rather then give and allow to work for someone in need... this is a man that sold the mansion and downsized, realizing he did not need all the material things to have joy, to be happy. I think about the story in the Bible where the rich young man asked what was needed in order to be able to follow Him. Jesus told him to sell everything then come follow Him. I can see him shaking his head as he walked away from Jesus, because he couldn't do it.... How many times have I just shook my head and walked away.... selective in what I give... who I give too.... most importantly how I give... is there expectation with the gift.... or do I give freely just to bless.... am I being lukewarm in my walk with Christ because of my selective list....

I go a step further, how about our relationships with others, are we selective in how we love, do we love according to how we feel in the moment, to who it is.... are we willing to embrace the one that is not so lovely..... do we love at our convience. Is it sad that I find a good time when a person is actually available and hears me... is that sad... should we be available and loving no matter what.... the scripture that keeps coming to me and has for months on end is that we are to love each other with all our hearts... or do we operate in selective tolerance with each other... God help me to not be selective in my tolerance.

I think what saddens me most about chapter 4 is how are we loving our God, our PaPa.... are we selective in our love to Him... when He asks us to do something and we think it will demand to much of us we just do like the rich ruler and walk away shaking our heads... are we selective in our obedience to Him.... are we walking in a lukewarm relationship with Him rather then in total abandonment.... are we doing what He says... loving Him with our complete body, mind and soul....

I don't know if I really know anyone that loves others and God in total abandonment.... we, me are all guilty of selective obedience, selective tolerance.... I don't want to be lukewarm in my relationship with Him or with other, those that I love.... what I find is that maybe I am selective in the love that I receive from Him.... I want to accept and give His love in total abandonment.... no reservations....