Our church, Lifesong is going to spend the next 3 weeks going through a book called- DETOX For the Overly Religious. The book has small chapters to be read everyday and questions at the end of every chapter to journal this journey. These are my thoughts from Chapter 1:
1) Describe how religion creeps into your life and robs you of your relationship with Jesus:
I am not sure if religion dominates my life anymore. However, I do believe that the desire for 'stuff' and the approval of others controls me. I am more concerned with acceptance and materials than I am with the approval of Jesus. The irony of that is Jesus already approves of me with no other act required on my part. People and stuff will never satisfy me or grant me full acceptance.
2) What steps do you need to take to rediscover the simplicity of Jesus?
I need to live for Him alone. Jesus needs to be my audience. There is a great simplicity of putting on blinders and living for Jesus alone. He approves of me, He encourages me, He is on my side, He wants the best for me.
3) What are the hedges in your life that need to be cut down?
For me, I think the better analogy that comes to mind is weeding. I need to weed out materials and acceptance. My heart and mind should be focused on Jesus only. I view my heart as an overgrown garden with different kinds of weeds suffocating the life out of the plants that should be flowering. I need to rely on the Holy Spirit -daily- to walk around with me and remove the junk that I have allowed to take root.
4) What does detoxing look like for you?
Not allowing this massive 'life and work agenda' to dominate me. I spend WAY too much energy trying to figure out how to get somewhere. Detoxing to me is enjoying today with Jesus and not worrying about tomorrow. That requires a stretch of my faith to trust Him with tomorrow. You wouldn't think that would be too difficult since I suck at handling the plans of my life anyway. Why not trust Him?
5) Name two or three people you can share this journey with:
Definitely Seana. I am hoping the staff of Lifesong Church. By putting this out on the web, I invite anyone else to be a part of this journey.
Matthew 11:28 - 30
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
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