Day 140 - Week 20 At A Glance
Scripture focus: He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Proverbs 15:32 NIV
This week's devotional series continued a study of the messy life of Frank, Cathy and Frankie. We considered toxic shame, and suggested that Jesus scorned shame, and so can we! Obviously, there is a distinction between scorning shame and failing to admit wrongdoing. Frank's life illustrates the problem with shame - it doesn't heal. When we accept shame as a reasonable attitude to messy spirituality, we handcuff ourselves to the steely prison bars of the passionate pursuit of perfection.
Jesus is in the business of setting captives free AND providing us with a big dream.
Shallow faith and false spirituality leave us in a state of panic when our expectations are shattered. All of us believe lies about what it means to love God, others and even self. This process of ferreting out the lies and learning to live more honestly is messy. Messy spirituality is authentic. It's humbling. I personally think it intrigues and invites others to enter into conversation about our experiences.
Frank and Cathy have begun the painful process of getting real. Thanks to them for sharing with us. I pray we learn from them, so that we too can grow up in our salvation!
Quotes from the week that stuck with me include:
Shame is that feeling that lodges in the pit of our stomach, a vague sense of unease, a conviction that something is wrong with us (that probably can't be fixed). Guilt is the emotion that triggers, "I did wrong." Shame says, "I am wrong." Shame creates an environment that nurtures unproductive suffering.
Jesus had every reason to embrace shame as he suffered through his trial, repeated beatings and crucifixion. And yet, he scorned shame. He refused to allow it to define him. Learning how to scorn shame is a great tool to add to our recovery tool belt.
Living within the limits of loving like God provides the proof that we're not just giving lip service to the concept of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It's the real deal.
Frank and Cathy are experiencing anguish but in some very profound ways, their anguish is inviting them to an encounter with a loving, merciful God who they have worshipped for years without really loving. That's about to change.
I suppose the thing I want for all of us is a firmly grounded loyalty and trust in God. This dynamic duo will allow us gentleness and compassion of spirit for our own messiness, and the messiness of others.
It takes a big heart to scorn shame. Get busy.
"Life can be like a stake through the heart." Soul Cravings, Erwin McManus, entry 4, Meaning.
This completes the first one hundred forty days of your 365 step journey; I pray you are nearer to God as a result of the steps you've taken this week.
Recommended reading: 1 Samuel 22 and 23 in the morning; John 10 and Psalm 115 in the evening
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