You're Stuck in the Middle!

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I'm reading Francis Chan's Crazy Love... lovin' this book! His chapter entitled, "Profile of the Lukewarm" is particular insightful (and convicting). Here are a few of his profile points for those of us who play hopscotch with Jesus... who refuse to put both feet down and commit the entirety of their lives to Him:

* Lukewarm People attend church fairly regulary. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.

* Lukewarm People give money to charity and to the church... as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living...

* Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions... than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.

* Lukewarm People don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin...

* Lukewarm People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want people to feel uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.

* Lukewarm People say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part.

* Lukewarm People love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love is typically focused on those who love them in return... there is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them... Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached.

* Lukewarm People think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven...

* Lukewarm People are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, "Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is."

* Lukewarm People like to make excuses for their own lukewarmness, and think this post is really judgmental.

Okay, that last point was mine. ;-) But somebody, somewhere just rolled their eyes at the computer screen, and deleted my post from their "favorites"... :-)