4. Other: __________________________________________

Small Group Life Blog

May 7, 2009

Hi [FIRSTNAME],

Question #4 in our weekly Life Transformation Group is:

Other: ____________________________________________

Sorry, is that an odd question? It’s actually an optional follow-up question to number 2 (“What’s weighing heavy on your conscience? Or what’s a character issue God is calling you to work on?”) And this question requires trust in the person you’re talking to.

Basically, there are some sins that must be conquered or at least beat down to a controllable level….and in a hurry. Right? Except, aren’t all sins equal before God? Yes, before God. But please, I’d rather you think about killing me than actually do so. Both are equal before God. But I’d like to increase my life insurance before you do one, but not with the other.

What are these urgent sins? Basically, just ask: Is this sin destroying me? Is it destroying another person or a friendship? If this sin is a continual problem, I suggest you put it on your list to ask every week. There’s nothing quite like knowing your LTG buddy is going to ask, “Did you curse at your wife this week?” to make you stop cursing at her.

Let me give some examples:

Gossip has a way of destroying people and friendships. (Gossip being speaking ill of someone, whether it is true or not.)

Addiction to pornography has a way of destroying a man and his marriage. (I’m kind of curious, though. What’s the difference between a guy looking at porn five hours a week and a woman watching ten hours of TV a week? Despite how mind-warping porn is for a guy, I’m sometimes tempted to say the difference is five hours. That is, isn’t any activity that keeps us from loving and serving those around us just as damaging as “sinful” ones? But, still, porn is bad. Boys, put this on the list if your spending time with virtual women rather than that real, live, flesh and blood one that God gave you.)

Addiction to alcohol or drugs. I’m not inclined to say getting drunk is ever ok. But I’m much less concerned if you occasionally fail than if you are getting drunk once a week or more (or if you’re driving under the influence).

I’m wondering if the “NEWK-IT! Too” lady would say that some people would need to put on their list, “Did you love, honor, and serve your spouse this week?” Yeah, probably. In fact, she might add that three letter word beginning with S. But for that, you need to sign up for her blog (sign up on the right side). My point here is that sometimes, failing to do the good we should needs special attention (James 4:17).

The apostle Paul gives several lists like the following for help:

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,  envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Now, I’ve mentioned that for me, I prefer not to focus on the bad that I do. To me, my failure to love and to pray are more damaging than conquering any bad thing I do. For me, as long as I can limit the damage of my desires, greed, etc., I’ll focus on growing in Christ-like character. But then, if I do become aware of destructive behavior, I will put it on the list each week. I care about the people around me too much not to.

By the way, if you’re the one asking this question, please remember! Ask the question. Do not judge, condemn, or offer advice! Just ask the question and offer the freedom that Jesus gives by His death and resurrection!!!

In Christ,
Pastor Steve

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