Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Required Reading

Although I've recommended several books over the years, there is now one that I believe should be required reading for anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ.  The book?  Crazy Love by Francis Chan



The book promo reads,
Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts — it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.
Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

Click here to order the book for $8.99

The book has pushed my limits, but greatly encouraged me at the same time.  Weary, tired, bored living for Jesus simply doesn't cut it.  We serve a loving and holy God.  Yet, when are we challenged to really LIVE for him?  All out - at all cost - complete surrender - living?  This book gave it to me!  Mr. Chan weaves chapters laced with conviction toward the truth of God's complete grace. 

Some challenges are difficult to swallow.  However, when read through the filter of God's Word, they are unarguable.  I'm thankful for a call to rise up.  To live differently.  To give it all for the One who gave it all for me.  How can I offer Him less?

I love the ending to the challenge.  Mr. Chan writes about a life obsessed with God.  Complete devotion.  Undivided loyalty.  Passionate love.  This is really the key because a life lived for him will not be joy filled if it's done out of guilt or expected obedience.  It's lived out of a rejoicing in being a child and friend of God.

"A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is to be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying, "Thank you!" to God.  An obsessed person knows there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy.  He revels in his role as child and friend of God."
(Crazy Love, p.147-148)

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 2:7

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2 comments:

The McBs said...

I LOVE this book!! We got to spend some time with Fancis and Lisa Chan at the Orphan Sunday taping and their lives are a straight reflection of being consumed by God... Love your hearts... praying for you guys!!!!!

Unknown said...

I don't know Francis, though he seems a godly man. I've watched a couple of videos of him, which I've enjoyed. But this book struck me in all the wrong ways - came across less as a call for self-examination and more as judgment. The chapter on lukewarmness being the worst. And I'm further saddened by the thought that ppl might come away from this book thinking that if they don't live "extraordinary" lives like a Mother Teresa or a Shane Claiborne then they sicken God. Obsession with God (to use Francis's words) is more diverse than he gives credence to. And God loves even the lukewarm.

I did not like it, Sam-I-Am. : (

Love,
Sinner in NC