Point made from Francis Chan n Ch 8 of Crazy Love

In a part in chapter 8, Francis shared a story about when his family had gone to see a play and his discussion with his wife's Grandma Clara during intermission. She shared that she wasn't sure if she wanted to at the play when Christ returns instead of being found in prayer of in service helping another. I applaud Francis' candidness in sharing that his initial thought which was his thinking it was strange to see someone try to literally live out the Bible and its commands. Through his maturity, he then realized it was more a situation of feeling convicted in the situation.

Had Francis not had the maturity, it is very possible and extremely likely this underlying feeling of conviction would have caused this initial reaction of finding it strange to develop into something else, something resentful or even demeaning of Grandma Clara.

For our sake and more importantly, the sake of Christ's kingdom, Francis did have the maturity to realize what was going on and the true motivation for his reaction and thoughts. Had he not, those feelings of conviction could have been hidden under bitterness towards Grandma Clara and a break in their relationship.

It's easy to be upset with Grandma Clara. Grandma Clara will not be sitting in judgement of him one day. After all, Grandma Clara is a little strange, or self-righteous, so what she says and does somehow has less status than everyone else. At best, she is annoying. At worst, she needs to be told to shut up.

It's hard to admit that what really was happening was Francis was being convicted by the Holy Spirit. It's not easy to get mad and try to take it out on the Holy Spirit or God and much easier to make Grandma Clara his target.

As we continue to read through this book and explore these principles together, I am humbled by the choices I have made and the compromises I have chosen to accept in my walk. I know I alone have to answer for my actions and choices going forward, now that I know. I do not need to please man but do the will of the One who has paid the price for me. All that is between God and me alone.

For anyone, no matter where you are in your walk and where God is working in you, I pray that you are able to take the steps you feel God is calling specifically for you at this time and for His purpose.