I have been reading a book by Francis Chan called 'Crazy Love' and can I just say he truly is a man of God. His words are very challenging, I don't even know how to summarize what I've been learning. I have been challenged hugely on my personal thoughts/attitudes about my Savior. How subtly ways I react (good intentions with wrong motives) are honestly huge disappointments to God. Why do I do the things I do?

 

Luke 14:12-14 says "Then Jesus said to his host,' When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers, or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'"

 

1 Chronicles 21:24 "King David replied to Araunah,'No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, orsacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing"

 

Both of these verses have been an encouragement and reprimand to me. What are my motives for doing things? It is so easy to serve 'because I'm a pastors wife' or 'because I have been blessed' or 'because i know the favor will be returned'. Those things aren't bad but God has called us to more. He has called me to be completely in love with Christ, to 'sell all I have and follow Him.' There is a song that states 'this world has nothing for me, I will follow You.' Am I truly living like this is the case? Am I giving my all, denying my thoughts and desires, and serving Him (even when no one is watching??) That is what I believe we are called to do.. easier said than done, but SO worth it!!