Have y'all seen this video? It pretty much sums up what Matth and I have been talking about, praying about, even maybe a little discussing heatedly, over the past couple weeks.
When did we decide our goal was the American dream? When did we decide that success was measured in a a large savings fund, a well-decorated home, in college and retirement plans?
When did we decide that "safe" was what we wanted to teach our children? That what Jesus says in the Bible doesn't really apply to us in this day and age? That we can trade Jesus's dreams for our American dream? That we can fit His agenda to ours?
Even after a few weeks of talking and praying, we still don't have all the answers. But we do know He's working on our hearts overtime lately.
I think it started with reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan (that guy up there), but Radical by David Platt blew our socks off. We haven't felt the same since. Platt has us up late at night talking, grappling, hemming, and hawing. Go read it!
awesome message, Jane. The fact that you and Matthew are burdened with these thoughts tell me that the Spirit is working on you, and that is a good thing. Too many Chrstians CHOOSE to be blind to the Spirit's call. Some are called to do crazy things. But others are called to be the family in the neighborhood with money. I recently read the story of the rich young ruler with a friend here, and it struck me in a way it never has before. I really don't think that it was a bad thing for this young man to be rich. I think that when he was called to follow, he couldn't let go of his riches. They were his heart, not Jesus. God desires our availability. When he says, "Go and sell all that you have and give to the poor. THEN come and follow me." We better be willing to sell. I wouldn't be doing what I am doing if it weren't for some very generous people giving to God's kingdom.
ReplyDeleteOne book that I loved in college was by John Ortberg, _If you want to walk on water, You've got to get out of the boat_. Our "boat," he says, is our security. I also follow the KissesfromKatie blog. She just recently put out a book. If you want to be challenged, read about her life. And she is only 24!
Blessings to you cousin. It makes my heart smile to hear that you struggle with things that really matter. So many from our culture so easily turn and ignore in comfort. He promises that if we seek we will find.
Here is a link to an article I wrote about that study with a friend I mentioned: http://gregandmeg.net/meg/spiritual-journey/618-follow
ReplyDeleteYou are the second person to recommend radical. I think I will go get it today. And I just LOVE Francis Chan. He came and spoke at our church in Wichita.
ReplyDeletei feel like we are in the same boat over here! i am reading the kisses from katie book too! its turning my world upside down.
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