Over the last two days, I have received more comments about my LSU story than I have any other sermon illustration EV-VER. If you missed it or want to experience it again, you can watch it at the beginning of my message here. I think what people liked about my story is that I was being real and each of them could relate...they or their spouse has done the same thing (freaking out over a ballgame, jumping up and down, yelling at the TV, scaring small children, etc.). One of the things that attracts people to Graystone is that we are authentic...what you see is what you get.
I really prayed a ton last week and struggled over whether I should share that I celebrate when difficult people leave the church. But I decided to open up EVEN MORE and share my true feeling. I said that when I hear that a difficult person is leaving Graystone Church, I do a Tiger Woods fist pump and go straight into singing the doxology. I will probably get some flack for saying this, especially since I am posting it on my blog for the world to read. But here's the deal, when a manipulative person leaves an organization (church, school, team, company, association, etc,), it is better for everyone and makes the organization healthier. And honestly, everyone in the organization is secretly celebrating the person leaving. Excuse the analogy, but it is very similar to a cancerous tumor being removed from someone's body, it makes the body as a whole healthier. The church is the body of Christ, and God wants us to be healthy and growing.
Listen, we only have one life to live. And allowing a manipulative or controlling person to make our lives miserable is not living the life that Jesus has for us (John 10:10). We need to set healthy boundaries and let the person know that they are not going to manipulate or control us. God is in control of our lives, and our goal is to please Him and not people. I pray for each of you who are in a manipulative or controlling relationship. I pray that God will give you the courage and strength to BREAK FREE!
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2 comments:
It was a good message, Jon. A good message delivered by an even better pastor. Make no mistake about it.
Leaders lead and visionary folks follow leaders that lead.
If you and I aren't willing to stand up for what we believe (even if it costs us something or there is a risk)...can we say we really believe it? I suppose we can say anything, but, I also suppose no one would trust our leadership if we didn't back that up with our actions. You were so right, we have to be authentic to make a difference.
Thanks Jonathan...I was superdiggin' this message.
Lovin' Graystone.
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