Comfy Cozy vs. Radical?

We have heard the common question "what is my life's purpose?" I have asked myself this question for many years. But until just recently I feel like I finally get it. Trying to figure out what I want to do with my life is not the point.
My husband and I have been wrestling with our faith for awhile now, we have felt this burden like something was just not right. We felt like there has to be something more to this idea of Christianity. Because honestly our lives didn't seem much different than anybody else. Yes, we loved God we believe Jesus is the Son of God, we love going to church, but it just cant stop there.
Then we were introduced to two books and God opened our eyes, it was our light bulb moment, (as Ms. O would say) we finally get it!

The first book was crazy love by Francis Chan. If you have not read this book please do, it will change your life. The second was Radical by David Platt.
These men of God helped us realize that it is not about living our life and adding God into the mix. Inviting God to join in on what we are doing.
The Bible talks about loving God and loving people, those are Gods greatest commandments.
I had to look at my life and think about, do I really love God and people or do I love myself more?
Our culture is all about looking out for ourselves, how can we be successful, make more money, what will make us more happy. Yes, I am guilty of saying if my house was just a bit bigger it would be perfect, or if we just had a little bit more money I would feel so much better.
My focus was all wrong.
The more I learn about Jesus, I have to admit he was nothing like the way we have been living our lives. He was a carpenter and he didn't build himself a nice house, try and save his money for nice clothes and fancy vacations. I know that sounds silly, but isnt that what WE do? I always try and imagine if Jesus were walking the earth in our day how would he be living. That is how I should be living. I cannot imagine that God would say find a church where everyone looks like you, and where they have lots of fun fellowships and just enjoy. That's it.
Jesus was radical! He was missional, he was so many things... but mostly he was here to further the Kingdom.
In David Platt's book, Radical (HIGHLY recommend this book), he writes,


"The way we use our money is a barometer of our present spiritual condition. Our neglect of the poor illustrates much about where our hearts lie. The mark of Christ followers is that their hearts are in heaven and their treasures are spent there."

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
~Matthew 6:21

So where is my heart, am I investing in treasures on earth? What does it look like for me to invest in heavenly treasures? It comes back to loving God first and loving people. Gods heart broke for the needy, the less than.

What does that look like in America? Maybe it's taking a meal to a friend in need...reaching out to someone who is struggling and REALLY praying for them...maybe it's taking a child into your home...canceling that vacation to go on a mission trip....

Maybe, just maybe, it is freeing up your expenses and living on less, so that we have more to give. To the widow...to the orphan....to the shut-in....to the single mother of three kids....to the least of these....for His glory.....to spread His Name.

Thank you Jesus for how blessed our Country is, we have so much more than we could ever need. Help us to realize that with these blessings there comes responsibilities. We are responsible for using these blessings not for ourselves but to further the Gospel. To use our resources to show your LOVE to others. I pray that I would constantly search you for what I can do, that my eyes would always be looking up, that my heart would always be willing. Help me to be passionate about what YOU are passionate about.