Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
“Lukewarm people love GOD, but they do not love Him with their whole heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love GOD that much but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.” (page 73)
Like you, I admire men and women who are radical for the cause of Christ. People like our pastor and friend John (the Pastor not the Baptist) for his passion and unfailing love. Or my friends Nate and Lauren who are my heroes for dropping the comforts of America to move to the mission fields of Indonesia. Or by people I haven’t yet met but would like to. People such as Rob Lilwall, who rode his bike from Siberia to England to spend time with GOD and raise money for a Hong Kong children’s charity.
For years, as Chan expresses so profoundly, I thought this type of sacrificial living was for Super Christians. Christians who were in paid ministry or had a “Call” over their lives.
But the Scripture is clear. While some pastors and teachers may be held to a higher standard, we all must hold to a high standard. Following Christ is not a half-hearted, lukewarm effort, but complete and blinding devotion. It's all or nothing.
Do you give your iPhone half your attention? Or your football team half your passion? Then why are we doing this with the Living GOD?
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 73 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
