Craig Groeschel is a friend to me and to Granger Community Church. He's spoken from our platform, taught our congregation and advised our ministry efforts. I've sought his counsel and enjoyed his leadership. I like Craig. He's the real deal.
Yesterday Craig send me a copy of his new book, "WEIRD." Since we're entering The New Normal together, I figured a book titled "WEIRD" would add value to our journey, so I read it last night.
It's great. Here's a quote...
In Matthew 6:19, Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." But most people's lifetime ambition is the exact opposite that: store and get more. More, more, more. Jesus continues, "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (vs. 20-21).
Where your money goes, there your heart follows.
The average Christian in the United States gives about 2 percent of his or her income toward helping people and advancing God's kingdom on the earth. That means that the remaining 98 percent goes to the world. Which means that 98 percent of our hearts go toward the world. If you catch yourself wondering why you want more of the world and you're not satisfied with God, it's because you have a spiritual problem. We think that more is going to make us happy.
First John 2:15-17 give us fair warning: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not fromt he Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
Craig goes on to say:
The world says more will make you happy. But this is the mirage in the desert of twenty-first century life - you can never get there. God says happiness is contentment with what you already have, with what he provides you, with what you can share. If you struggle to believe this, then you must pierce the veil of illusion our culture works so hard to sustain. You must long for God more than normal.
Good advice from a trusted friend.
If you'd like more, get Craig's new book, "WEIRD." I recommend it.
1 Peter 4:7-11 - Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time.