In my last entry I went into detail about deficiencies within the church. I don't want this blog to be about just pointing fingers and complaining so I think that I better confess that I'm not perfect in these areas either (as though you couldn't have guessed that).
Joel and I have sort of explored some of the categories mentioned in the last post at different stages in our life. When we went to a church with sketchy theology we explored what orthodoxy really is and ended up leaving the church. I think that we have a pretty good idea of what we believe and I'm pretty sure that we're orthodox. Although, no one thinks that they are unorthodox.
For the last two years we've really been focusing on social justice. We realized just how little we'd been paying attention to plight of the poor and needy. We've been trying to change our lives in order to share more of our resources with those in need. Also, we've been volunteering with the Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform to defend the rights of the unborn. As you might have noticed this is a pretty big focus of my blog.
Lately we've been looking a little more closely at what true community should involve. I don't have the answers for this one and I think that I'm pretty weak in this regard. I try to be a good friend to people but I get irritated with people really easily and so I like to keep my distance. I know that this something that I need to work on more. I need to be willing to put myself out more (without resenting it) and be more vulnerable with my church.
I've come a good ways in regards to moral purity but I have a lot more work to do. I don't struggle with sexual purity; my main vice is my anger. I'd love to get this under control. In a way I feel like it takes over control of me in certain situations. I can repent as whole heartedly as I can but then yell at Joel again the next day. I don't know how to change more fully. I can't wait until someone writes a book titled "The 5 keys towards overcoming anger". Then I'll be free.
I also am really poor in the area of evangelism. I've witnessed to people before but I don't feel comfortable knowing how confrontational I should be. Also, is it appropriate to approach strangers and try to strike up a conversation with them? How much should I be willing to offend people?
I hope that this gives you a better idea of where I'm coming from.
Posted by rose at August 1, 2004 08:41 AM | TrackBackI've never left a book recomendation in comments before - but as one who struggles with anger, this book literally turned my world upside down with the anger stuff. If you are really serious about looking at anger at as an issue of moral purity, this book might rock your world. It did mine. here is the link.
http://www.christiangrowth.com/Pages/AngerFire.html
Over the summer I watched 'Life Today' with James Robison, and his guest was Lisa Bevere (her husband is John Bevere, a pastor who has written various Christian books), and she has struggled with anger and has compiled sessions on audio tape and VHS titled, "Healing for the Angry Heart" ... I have since purchased the VHS set and have been stirred by her wisdom and authenticity in retelling situations when her anger controlled her. The series helps you deal with heart issues, discover the secret to being heard, release yourself of the guilt, learn to trust again, and break habit cycles. (right off the study guide!) :) I strongly recommend them! The number for the tapes is 1-800-947-LIFE (5433), or you can go to www.lifetoday.org and may be able to find some information on the series from the website.
Here's a list of the sessions:
Session 1 is "A testimony of healing"
Session 2 is "the power of confession"
Session 3 is "stopping anger before it gets out of hand"
Session 4 is "letting it go"
Session 5 is "putting it into practice"
Session 6 is "anger and depression"
Session 7 is "anger and fear"
... I hope you will be blessed by them as I have been! Blessings, Michaela
Posted by: Michaela at September 12, 2004 01:29 AM