If we should get to a point in our spirituality where we are no longer exhibiting our “struggle with the flesh”, how can others look to us as relatable to their own sin(s) which “…so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12.1). And, is such a lack of exhibition of our “struggle with the flesh” healthy for ourselves and/or our Home Group?
Matt spoke this past week of the wife in Flower Mound, Texas, who shot and killed her family and then herself, and how dark it must have been in her life to have done so. None of her neighbors knew of anything wrong.
I do not know if this wife and family were believers, but I wonder how many Christians, even in our church, only confide in one or two people (if any at all?) I can’t help but wonder if there are many not in Home Groups because they don’t believe anyone there can empathize with their pain and entangling sin?
In Ephesians 4.2-4, we read that as Christians, we should “bear[ing] with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body.” In Galatians 6.1-2, I am reminded that we as Christians should bear one another’s burdens: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” While the text reads “caught”, does one have to necessarily be caught in sin before he or she is restored?
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (1 Chronicles 7.14, ESV)
A peek into my mind, to hear the thoughts of a 40-something single male as he walks this planet called Earth.
John M. Kirton II
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own solely and not those of The Village Church, her ministers, pastors, administrators, staff, covenant members, regular attenders or visitors; my parents; my alma mater, Dallas Christian College, her administration, faculty, Board, alumni, or students, past, present and future; or my employer and fellow employees.
My Story
- John M. Kirton II
- I attended public school for two years and private school for the remainder of my education. After graduation, I attended Bible college in Dallas, Texas, for four and one-half years consecutively. Unfortunately, I failed a class and was unable to graduate with my class but God enabled me to re-take the course and I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Bible and minors in Youth Ministry and Biblical Languages in 1994. After failing the aforementioned course, I had continued attending a church but began to falter in my faith. It was during my second year after my Bible college years that I was introduced to the International Churches of Christ (ICOC), where I became a member and was involved for twelve years. It was not until my twelfth year that, after much prayer from my parents and closest friends, Greg Faure and Wayne Stiles, I became convinced that the ICOC was a religious sect. In June, 2000, I left the ICOC and became a covenant member of The Village Church in Highland Village, TX, in April, 2004.
