Step 3 – Clean House - 4 Steps to a Crazy Faith

“The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” (Matthew 13:22, NLT)

First, get perspective. Then transform how you live; don’t conform. So simple it is to start the growth of our seedling “Crazy Faith.”

Next, for our “Crazy Faith” to take root and really grow, we need to prepare the soil and clean out the thorns, making a healthy space in our lives.

Remember the Parable of the Sower as told by Jesus? And what he said about the seed falling on the among the thorns? The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.

The Apostle Paul, who had plenty of struggles of his own, writes about how we might make a healthy space: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5, NIV)

Perspective and not conforming to the pattern of this world is a good start, but now we need to do some housekeeping in our lives to prepare the soil for growth of our “Crazy Faith.” And that means adjusting – killing off actually – the desires of our earthly selves. A “Crazy Faith” needs a healthy place to grow and putting our fleshly desires to death is the right next step.

That might sound good, but how do we even spot those desires that we need to be cleaning out? After all, we’re already going to church, reading the Bible, and more.

The simplest way to identify those desires (or idols) that are drawing us away from the goodness of God, is to reflect on these three things:

1. Where do you spend your time?
2. Where do you spend your talent?
3. And where do you spend your treasure?

Or, put another way, how much of your time, talent and treasure is spent on earthly desires (excluding food, housing, medical, etc.) as compared to what God wants us to do (helping others, serving, sharing, etc.)?

If you’re like me, you probably have a number of idols or desires just because you like them or want them, even if they have nothing to do with God or His plan for us. Think of things like beauty, fashion, sports, entertainment, etc. – all of which can easily take us away from what God intends…

Step 3 of getting a “Crazy Faith” is to put away those idols / kill off those desires – any pursuits or expenses – that take away from our eternal perspective and the goodness of God. Then be content without them – even if the world thinks you should just conform and enjoy.

This is really difficult, but you can do it!

In closing, reflect on these words from the Apostle Paul: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV)

Can you clean house to grow your “Crazy Faith”?

Additional Scriptures:

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23