being a lukewarm Christian

So, if you follow me on twitter you probably already know that I'm obsessed with Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. It's SO perfect, and eye opening and just GOOD. I've never felt so overwhelmed with the realization that Jesus LOVES me. 

Chapter 4… about being a lukewarm Christian, holy convicting. So many of the things I read in there have or do apply to my life. So I've decided to share for all those people that won't read this book. (Also note that I don't blame you if you hate reading, I also hate reading but am semi forcing myself to love reading. ;))

Lukewarm acts from the book that convicted me:

(Note that that there are lots more and I really, once again encourage you to read the dang book already.)

Attend church regularly because it is expected of them.

This one is half half for me. I've always gone to church because yes, I know I am expected to be there. A lot of times I know that if someone doesn't' see me there they may be judging my reasons for not going… am I the only one? This is something I need to let go of. Church is not supposed to be impressive, yet I am supposed to go for myself.

Isaiah 29:13 -  The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth

and honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship of me

is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Rarely share their faith with their neighbors, co-workers, friends, etc.

Ok wow, this one hit me hard. I am terrible at sharing my faith with faith-less people. I will sit and talk about Jesus with you for hours if I know you are comfortable with the subject. However, in day to day conversations with strangers, I feel even awkward and timid to mention church-going. Another thing about me though - I don't know too many people that aren't Christians. I spend most of my time with believers - not in a snoody "I won't be friends with non Christians way" but just in the way that that's how it is. I pray that once I am thrown into more non-Christians, I'll be able to share more boldly. 

Are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, but rarely act.

THIS THIS THIS THIS. I love love love hearing about missions trips, I love hearing stories and seeing pictures and crying over videos and images of orphans, but oh my gosh what am I doing still sitting on my couch? I WANT to be sent, but I don't try to be sent. One of my goals for 2014 is to look into more missions. 

James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Love others but do not seek to love others more than themselves.

I want so badly to love others as much as I love myself, wow seriously what a gift that'd be, to love your neighbor as yourself.

I'm only sharing these three, but there are so many more that are SO good and convicting. I want so badly to just take everything out of these problems and change them, but oh man the heart is so stubborn sometimes. You can't just pick up a book and finish it going on a missions trip, loving people as much as yourself, and sharing your faith with the entire world. Lord, please prepare my heart and shape me into the woman you want me to be.

I hope this encourages you guys as much as it did me!