#22 - Crazy Love

I listened to Crazy Love by Francis Chan on audio book last year. But I don't count that as really reading a book. So I decided to really read it this year with my praise team.I think this book is a Desiring God by John Piper lite. It has a lot of the same themes - the glory and greatness of God, finding our joy in God alone, being amazed by our salvation. But then Chan adds on this call for commitment. If God is as great and holy and powerful as we say He is, then shouldn't that make a significant difference in our lives? If God's salvation for wicked sinners like us by grace through faith in Christ is truly as amazing as we say it is, shouldn't our lives reflect that? If the Bible is as true as we say it is, then shouldn't I live my life according to what it says?

Using tons of Scripture and Chan's straightforward yet non-threatening style, he points out that lukewarm Christianity is not biblical. Jesus did not die for us to live in the comfort and security of the American dream. God wants something so much greater for us - Himself. Not a nice house, not 2 cars, not a secure job, not a pension and lovely vacations. God wants us to obsessed...with Him and His glory.

Here are some gems:

• It's exhilarating to be part of a group of believers who are willing to think biblically rather than conventionally, to be part of a body where radical living is becoming the norm. This book is written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do.
• I sometimes struggle with how to properly respond to God's magnitude in a world bent on ignoring or merely tolerating Him. But know this: God will not be tolerated. He instructs us to worship and fear Him.
• In about 50 years (give or take a couple of decades), no one will remember you. Everyone you know will be dead. Certainly no one will care what job you had, what car you drove, what school you attended, or what clothes you wore. This can be terrifying or reassuring, or maybe a mix of both.
• You could be the next person in your family to die. I could be the next person at my church to die. We have to realize it. We have to believe it enough that it changes how we live.
• The irony is that while God doesn't need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don't really want Him most of the time. He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him - and we wonder, indifferently, how much we have to do for Him to get by.
• Jesus asks for everything. But we try and give Him less. Jesus said, 'Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.' Luke 14:34-35 Jesus isn't just making a cute little analogy here. He is addressing those who aren't willing to give everything, who won't follow Him all the way. He is saying that lukewarm, halfhearted following is useless, that it sickens our souls. He is saying that this kind of salt is not even fit 'for the manure pile.' Wow. How would you like to hear the Son of God say, 'You would ruin manure'?
• My conclusion? Jesus' call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. The thought of a person calling himself a 'Christian' without being a devoted follower of Christ is absurd.
• Leftovers are not merely inadequate; from God's point of view (and lest we forget, His is the only one that matters), they're evil. Let's stop calling it 'a busy schedule' or 'bills' or 'forgetfulness.' It's called evil. [Another one I hear a lot is 'I can't' - really? In truth, it is 'I won't.']
• How many of us would really leave our families, our jobs, our education, our friends, our familiar surroundings, and our homes if Jesus asked us to? If He just showed up and said, 'Follow me'? No explanation. No directions.

This is the kind of book that after reading it, I wanted to go out and do something. Sell my house and go out to the mission field. Ironically, my house is up for sale right now, and I am moving to a place where I don't know anyone to preach the Gospel. And while that has seemingly always been the quintessential Christian ideal of living for Christ, Chan makes it clear that everyone has to make their own choices on how to live for Christ.

It doesn't always mean becoming a missionary or pastor, but loving your spouse in true humility, every night tenderly serving the other person. Saying no to sports or music or whatever for your children so that you can make time to read the Bible to them. Risking your business reputation and sharing the Gospel with co-workers, vendors, and even your boss. Turning down extra work opportunities so that you can faithfully serve at the church Awana program. All of these things and a thousand more are little decisions that reflect a heart sold out for Christ.

I highly recommend this book. But watch out. If you are honest with yourself, this book will change you, for the better.