Central Truth

I should be less concerned of what others think of me and more concerned with striving to be the new creation God is calling me to be.

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Reflections

At first glance Galatians 6:11-16 was difficult for me to understand.  Why should I write a devotional about circumcision and uncircumcision?  After reading and re-reading the passage and through prayer it became more relevant and even personal.  Through some cross referencing with other passages it became even more so. 

Matthew 23:28 says, "So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."  This, as Pastor Rod has taught, is "appearance management."  I fit this mold for many years, coming to church on Sunday mornings, putting up a front that all was well while internally I was dealing with years of guilt and shame.

As a pre-adolescent believer, I fell captive to Satan's lie that women are sex objects. I struggled with this my entire life before coming to worship at Grace Community Church.  It was here I learned that not all believers have it together all the time.

As of March 1st this year, I have been blessed to have one year of freedom from the chains of bondage I was enslaved in.  I credit my victory within this ongoing trial to small group experiences, the ministry of Celebrate Recovery and most importantly Jesus Christ.  I know now that I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ, recovering from pornography addiction.  I continue to praise God that through His Son we are afforded the opportunity to become new creations in Jesus Christ.

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Discussion Questions

1. Are there areas in your life you are trying cover up by making them appear better than they really are?
2. What do you think God is calling you to be more authentic or transparent about in your life?
3. What is holding you back?

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