Are you obsessed with Jesus?

Are you a Christian? Do you believe in Jesus? Do you follow him? If so, are you fully devoted to him, are you obsessed with Jesus? Does your life look a little crazy to most people? In his book, Crazy Love (I know, I’ve already referenced it a bunch of times, but it’s just that awesome) Francis Chan asks honest questions like these and lays out a “profile of the obsessed” that the reader can use to evaluate his or her own faith. As I share some of these descriptions, my intention is not for them to bring about shame or guilt, but my hope is that they will both challenge and inspire you to live your life differently in light of your faith in Jesus.

 

“Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don’t always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth. As Martin Luther put it, ‘There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day.'” (see Luke 14:25-35; Matt. 7:13-23, 8:18-22; Rev. 3:1-6) (pg 136)

“People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people.” (see Matt. 13:44; John 15:8) (pg 139)

“People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. [They] genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world.” (see James 2:14-16) (pg. 140) *see also Philippians 3:18-21

“A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.” (pg. 142)

“A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.” (pg. 143)

“People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God’s Word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.” (pg. 145)

“A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God.” (see James 1:2-4) (pg. 146)

“A Person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying ‘Thank You!’ to God. An obsessed person knows there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as child and friend of God.” (pgs. 147-148)

Here is a quick recap of the obsessed:

People who are obsessed with Jesus…

• obey God
• take joy in serving others
• are known as givers, not takers
• think about Heaven and orient their lives around eternity
• are characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God
• have an intimate relationship with Him
• are nourished by God’s Word throughout the day
• are more concerned with character than comfort
• know that true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances, but is a gift from God
• know that they can never work hard enough to be worthy
• find rest in their role as children and friends of God

Are you an obsessed follower of Jesus? Or are you just a fan?

Please share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section or on FACEBOOK.

See Crazy Love by Francis Chan to learn more about what it looks like to be obsessed with Jesus.