Wednesday, March 14, 2012

March 15, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."  Matthew 13:44

As much as I read and study I come across quotes all the time. But recently I heard one that really stuck. Maybe it is because to related to the topic I have been focusing on for several months - "CRAZY LOVE". Please let me share the quote and see it I can apply it in a practical way:

"The opposite of love is not hatred but indifference"

May I ask you a question?

How can you study about the "CRAZY LOVE" of God and remain indifferent? For Pete's sake, not even the devil is indifferent about the love of God!

Perhaps indifference is the result of knowing about God's love but no really knowing it. Believing it is one thing but receiving it is quite another.

What Jesus is advocating in this parable in the need for commitment rather than comfort. If you settle for comfort you are not in possession of "CRAZY LOVE". In fact, I believe the number enemy of "CRAZY LOVE" is comfort.

Let's examine some of the things that distinguish comfort from commitment:

Comfortable Christians are "hit and miss" about commitment to church.
Committed Christians commit to membership, ministry and give money.

Comfortable Christians give God a "tip".
Committed Christians give God a tithe off the top.

Comfortable Christians want to please people more that please God.
Committed Christians please God even when it displeases others.

Comfortable Christians don't hate sin they just don't want to be punished for it.
Committed Christians hate sin and set their heart and mind against it.

Comfortable Christians like hearing testimonies and stories about committed people and think it is amazing.
Committed Christians do what Jesus did and consider it normal.

Comfortable Christians claim to love Christ but are comfortable giving Him second best.
Committed Christians prove their love for God by giving their best.

Comfortable Christians love the people who love them back and add value to their lives.
Committed Christians love everyone who God calls them to love.

Comfortable Christians choose personal comfort above Christian commitment.
Committed Christians obey God above personal comfort.

Comfortable Christians choose safety and security rather than sacrifice.
Committed Christians are willing to sacrifice safety and security in order to serve Him.

Comfortable Christians would rather feel good for a few moments than do good continually.
Committed Christians are willing to do good even when it is painful.

The difference between committed Christians who know God's "CRAZY LOVE" and those comfortable Christians who don't is - indifference.

Are you committed or are you comfortable?