A while back, after reading a section of Francis Chan's Crazy Love where he went in depth about what being lukewarm looks like, I wrote the following questions as food for thought. This is basically a simplified version of the section from Chan's book. He reminds us that these thoughts and questions should not be used as ammunition for judgement, but rather, as 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, to "examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves."
Today I have to ask myself, "Do I truly, deeply, wholeheartedly love God?"
Have I allowed Him to change my life? What about my way of living?
When I give, does it cost me anything? Or am I giving God my scraps, my leftovers, what I didn't want in the first place?
Am I afraid of what people think? Or do I focus on what God thinks of my heart and life?
Do I truly want to be saved from sin? Or just the consequence of sin? Do I believe a life free from worldly ambition is the life I want?
"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." - John 10:10 (words of Jesus)
"Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?" - Rom. 6:1-2
Do I act radically for Jesus? Would He call me His disciple?
"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves" - James 1:22
"Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." - James 4:17
Do I share my faith? Do I show it in the way I live and communicate with those around me?
"Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." - Matt. 10:32
Do I compare myself to other men/women? Or to Christ?
Have I allowed Christ to take over my life? Or have I only given Him a chunk of time in my week?
Do I love God with my whole heart, soul, and strength? Or do I believe that's impossible this side of heaven?
Do I love others well, or only when I get something back? Is my love conditional and selective? Or does it reflect the unconditional love of the Father?
Am I wrapped up in planning my life on earth? Or do I contemplate eternity in heaven?
"For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior." - Phil. 3:18-20
Do I do just enough to get by? Do I steer clear of the "really big" sins so I don't feel guilty? Or am I always seeking ways to stay pure and get closer to the God who loves me?
Do I play it safe? Or do I make sacrifices and take risks for God?
"Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God..." - Matt. 10:28a
Am I living the label "Christian" or the life of a Christian?
"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter." - Matt. 7:21
Do I only give the appearance of being washed by the blood? Or have I truly allowed Christ to cleanse me from the inside out?
"Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness." - Matt. 23:28
