Lousy Excerpt 2

I'm in Israel for two weeks (which is weird and very cool) so I can't write new posts. Next week I'm having a guest blogger (don't miss it) but this week I thought I'd give you a few fun and/or (hopefully) thought-provoking excerpts from my book that just came out. So here you go:

I think the word that best describes how many feel about their Christian lives is not abundant, joyful, or purpose-driven, but disappointing.

And when I met Christians for the first time as a sophomore in college, I was disappointed. I was disappointed at their disappointment. And I swore I would never be like that.

But I have to be honest.

Over the years I have, at times, descended into the world of the t-shirt wearers. I have found myself going through the motions. I’ve lost my purpose and passion for so long I had to put them on the back of a milk carton. In honest moments I’ve asked those same despairing questions. I’ve been disappointed.

And I’ve wondered if maybe God is the problem. I mean, he does want everyone to say yes to his offer. And if someone is trying to sell me a new car, vacuum cleaner, or cell phone, I don’t expect them to be completely honest. They’ll exaggerate the benefits, ignore the problems. It may still be a great car, vacuum, or cell phone, but I’m not getting the whole truth, and I know it.

Maybe God is like that?

The benefits he claims to give those who say yes to him include abundant life, pure joy in the face of trials, peace that surpasses understanding, power to heal the sick with our prayers, assurance that we will never be tempted in a way we can’t handle, fearlessness, and the promise that we will do greater things than Jesus did.

How many Christians would say these things are a good description of their lives? More personally: Does it describe yours?

So maybe God is the problem. Perhaps he’s just a master salesman. After all, he’s good at everything else.

But I don’t think so.

Actually, I think we’re the problem.

And I think there’s a solution.

[want to read more? buy the book!]

- featured on newchurches.com