Obsessed

I just finished “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan, and it was very convicting. I felt he was calling me out in many areas of my life, but more specifically my relationship with Christ. For me, my relationship has almost been about earning God’s trust by just being obedient to His “rules.” I figured that if I try my hardest not to mess up, then He would love me, and maybe even reward me in return. A little perverse I know but to each their own. I’ve been trying to please the Father by works rather than by faith through love. I pray that I can build on my relationship daily, and be completely and utterly obsessed with Christ. The following are statements about people who are obsessed with Jesus. I felt the Spirit moving through me as I was reading them, and left the book wanting to be a better person. Maybe some of this will resonate with you as well. Love you guys.

The following comes from Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love.

Obsessed: To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.

People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly, without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back.

 People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom coming to this earth than their lives being shielded from pain or distress.

 People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him.

 Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don’t always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth.

 A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be “humble enough,” and so they seek to make themselves less know and Christ more known.

 People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people.

 People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world.

 A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.

 A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, and passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.

 People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don’t put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace.

 People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God’s Word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.

 People who are obsessed with Jesus are more concerned with their character than their comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God.

People who are obsessed with Jesus know that the best thing they can do is be faithful to their Savior in every aspect of their lives, continually saying “Thank You!” to God. Obsessed people know there can never be intimacy if they are always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. They revel in their role as child and friend of God.

Prayer:

God thank you for everything. Your mercy has been spread all over my family and me. I don’t deserve what you so freely give, but I’m grateful, and I pray that I can give just as freely to others in need. Lord, I can’t thank you enough for our supporters. It’s been amazing watching you work through so many different people, some are family, others we barely know by name, but all must believe in what you are doing through our family here in Liberia. Father, I pray that you will deliver me from myself and that You only will be glorified in anything and everything that my family might play a part of here in Africa. I pray that you will continue to encourage us through any difficulties that may pop-up during projects in the field, and please give us clarity on how to communicate what exactly you have been doing through us to our supporters back in America. Father, Your call us simply yet profound. You tell us to love You above all and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Please show us what that means. Please share your love with each of us, and teach us through intimacy in prayer exactly how we’re called to love our neighbors. Please grow us, Lord. Make us disciples on a relentless path to your heart. I pray for all the children in Liberia. I pray we can reach as many as possible, and bring them your love through bread, and life. Father, I love you so much. Amen. – Zach