In today’s post, author Stephen Mansfield (Healing Your Church Hurt) continues his presentation and discussion of five questions designed to help us heal and restore.
3. Were you clinging to anything that contributed to your church hurt? Stephen states that this question will be harder to answer than the others because we never want to take the blame. In addition, our hurt triggers our “victim mode”. The author pointedly describes this viewpoint:
“The fog of our sense of injustice is so thick that we cannot see our actions for what they are. We edit the mental film of our deeds to fit the script that is in our heads, a script that frees us from responsibility no matter what reality is. It is always others who have done the misdeeds. We merely sat innocently by.”
On a personal level, Mr. Mansfield admits that he didn’t pay attention to the Lord’s voice or plans for his life. Relationships and power became Stephen’s idols, setting the stage for his church hurt.
In order to untie the knot of our pain and offense, we need to take a close look at our own culpability. To help, the author offers three questions:
1. What did you cling to that set you up for harm?
2. What was the idol that held you fast long after you should have left?
3. Where did the turn come when you got off the path of God’s best?
Today’s question: How would you answer the three questions above? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The Oswald Complex”
