I just finished this book a really enjoyed it. It was an easy quick read but very convicting. I feel like a lot of this book was just echoing what my heart has been telling me all along. Michael Yaconelli was able to put words to what I've been feeling/thinking. I loved it. Just to give you a taste:
"The most critical issue facing Christians is not abortion, pornography, the disintegration of family, moral absolutes, MTV, drugs, racism, sexuality, or school prayer. The critical issue today is dullness. We have lost our astonishment. The Good News is no longer good news, it is okay news. Christianity is no longer life changing it is life enhancing. Jesus doesn't change people into wide-eyed radicals anymore, He changes them into "nice people". If Christianity is simply about being nice, I'm not interested."
ahhh, yes, if its just about being nice, I'm not interested. Deep down we all know that there is more to it!
Yaconelli states "Jump First. Fear Later." Oh yes, I often fear first and maybe later get around to jumping. When I hear "Jump First" I get an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. The reason for this is because the first thing that comes to mind is my extreme fear of heights. There is no way I can ever just jump off of something and then let fear be an afterthought. Well, maybe there is but hasn't happened yet. For the few that have seen me over the years try to overcome my fear of heights it is not a pretty sight. Jumping off of tall things brings me to tears. (yes, just ask the team of students I took on a spring break mission trip this past March. There was their fearless leader shakin' in her shoes with tears running down her face full of nothing but fear and hesitation.) I did eventually jump but was emotionally scarred for awhile. It felt like a part of me died on the inside. I'm just about over it now, but I can't imagine if I find myself in the same position next year what it will be like. I would just rather avoid such a situation. :) However, away from the context of jumping off of tall things, I have jumped first and feared later when it comes to my relationship with God or things he's asked me to do. And it has always been well worth it. I feel though that sometimes that I forget that... When it comes to God, jumping is always worth it. Jump first, fear later. Yes, sounds like a good idea. I think I'll continue trying that one....
