THE BEGINNING
God doesn’t seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones, but He must have clean ones.
THE END
Contrast toxic religion with the pure gospel. Religion is all about what I do. The gospel is all about what Jesus has done. Religion is about me. The gospel is about Jesus. Religion highlights my efforts to do what is right. The gospel highlights what Christ has already done. Religion lures me to believe that if I obey God, He will love me. But the gospel shows me that because God loves me, I get to obey Him. Religion puts a burden on us. We have to do what is right. A relationship with Christ puts the burden on Him. And because of what He did for us, we get to do what is right. Instead of an obligation, our right living is a response to a gift.
IN BETWEEN
Some really good stuff. How’s that for an educated writer’s thoughts. 🙂 I’m talking about the book, Soul Detox, by Pastor Craig Groeschel. I had already shared the first quote with you previously, but that was as I was just beginning the book. I finished his book last week, but due to time constraints and the fact that I wanted to let it stew a bit, I am just now getting around to writing about it. I could be very succinct with three words: GO. BUY. IT!! But it deserves a few more words than that. Craig divides his book into three sections: Toxic Behaviors, Toxic Emotions, and Toxic Influences. Along the way Craig digs up nasty smelling garbage- garbage that we all have had or will have to deal with. In the first section, he talks about our thoughts, language and “hidden” sins. In the second section, he really gets down to the nitty-gritty and takes on with the force of a linebacker hitting a running back, the emotions of bitterness, envy, anger and fear. In the third section, he pulls no punches in confronting our preoccupation with materialism, sex, unhealthy people, and moldy religion.
To be fair and honest, Craig is one of my favorite people. He has taken the time to chat with me; to call me; to write me; and to pray for me, but I can honestly say that if he had written a “stinker” of a book, I would say so. He spared me that!! 😛 This book has definitely put a bug in my ear for a sermon series sometime in 2013. I’ve said enough. You simply need to buy it here, or somewhere.
How would you define a toxic relationship? Did any of the ones mentioned ring your bell? What are you going to do about it? Share if you like. Pray for all you’re worth.
Bill, are you talking about toxic relationships withe people? If so, I struggle with that. I don’t know what to do with them. Too often, I walk away and end them, but I’m never sure if that is what I really should do.
yep, that is what I am talking about Larry. Dealing with toxic relationships is a challenge. Sometimes the best thing is to walk away and sometimes to stay and deal with it. praying God will give you the wisdom to know.
I finished reading it last week. My review has been written and placed in the queue. I did enjoy my time with this book, but ….
But… Reckon will have to wait for the review. 🙂
Looks like a book I will need to read, Bill. The “hidden”sins are definitely the costly ones. God does so much when we make the choice to expose them to the light. I love the thorough cleaning job He is able to do in us.
That thorough cleaning job is so essential for sure Eileen.
If you’re not careful Bill you might get a book review following like Oprah…:-) Thanks, I’ll have to check it out.
If I do, do I start getting a cut out of what I review? 🙂
Bill you have peeked my interest, going to the library today, will see if they have it. In our ministry of “member care” we know toxic relationship send more missionaries home then health or lack of finances. We are always looking for books to give returning ones that will reveal what ever is lodge in their hearts. Blessing brother.
Glad I did Betty. I think it is a good one to give to those who are hurting and carrying unnecessary garbage.
For me, a toxic relationship is one which steers my thoughts often in the wrong way. It’s not necessarily that the person intentionally negatively influences me. It could just be that tension is steering me towards anger and resentment. It may be as much about my faults as it is about theirs.
Sometimes the best thing to do is sever the relationship, but often I’ve got to do some soul-searching to try and correct things on my end.
Good definition Loren. it is also important for us to take personal responsibility instead of always placing blame elsewhere. Thanks for your thoughts.
I think many things in our lives are toxic. Perfection is the opposite I think, which means there’s plenty of room for improvement.
I’ll read this one, although I still haven’t finished the last one you recommended. I’ll get there, I’m confident I’ll get a great deal from it. Thanks.
Sorry I recommend books Floyd. I don’t mean to be a pain. 🙂 Agreed about many things being toxic.
Practically the whole first chapter is available on Amazon for anyone who wants an extensive preview.
Bill, I’m going to put this one on hold for awhile. Right now I’m reading The Other Half of the Gospel and I’m reading it slowly, going back and re-reading parts of it.
Didn’t know that Susan. Thanks. Not familiar with that book.
“The Other half” is about sanctification, and how it is just as much an active work of God’s grace as salvation.
Gotcha. Thanks. 🙂
Hi Bill,
Maybe there is another way to look at what Craig Groeschel is saying in his book.
Obedience to God comes from faith.
Without faith we cannot please God,
the Bible says.
The disciples of Jesus said ‘Lord, increase our faith’
Our love for God has to be a major motivator in our walk with Him and in our obedience to Him. Otherwise, we can turn what Craig Groeshel says in his book into another set of rules we must keep. Is what CG says important? Yes, for sure. But our motivation and reason is important also.
It seems to come down to faith and love for God. This seems to be what the believer is looking for. For sure, I think that paying attention to what we are doing, what we are thinking, what we are believing is very important in our lives and walk as believers. We need to call out to God to help us in these matters that Craig Groeshel points out in his book.
It’s relationship that we want with God as believers, not just trying to make God happy with our disciplines.
It’s going to take a better student of the word than me to get this distinction correct. Rightly dividing the Word of truth, the bible says. We need good students of the Word in our day, finding the truth in God’s word, finding the narrow path that leads to righteousness.
Abraham believed God, the Bible says, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Craig Groeshel’s book helps us believers to look at things in our lives and make some needed changes. This discipline in itself is greatly needed in our lives but it is not the ‘be all’ so to speak.
Romans 1:5
Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith
i totally agree that God wants a relationship with us not our disciplines. All the disciplines in the world won’t give us a relationship.
That does sound like a really great book- one that will step on toes. I will add it to my wish list/reading list (that is growing by the day!)
I could go on and on about toxic waste in our churches, society and relationships. Satan has been working overtime and it is showing in our culture.
One thing blogging has really done is open my eyes up to the amount of devoted Christians in the world. It can get discouraging at times (if you follow alot of the news as I do) but thankfully God has blessed me with meeting so many awesome Christians through blogging. This has been such a blessing.
I think you will enjoy it TC. Your eyes are opened also to what is going on. That is good.
Sounds like I need to add another to my reading list, but not before I buy me some steel toed boots.
Might be a good idea Sele. 🙂
Thank you Bill. What a privilege that “we get to” obey Him and do what is right!
Changes things when we see obedience as something I “get to do” or “want to do.”
Ohh yes, there are a lot of toxins in my life….God has been revealing some of those to me & I know there are others that He will be working on with me….I will head to the library to see if they have this book, if not, I may just buy it, so the hubby & I can read it together, he really likes Craig Groeschel.Sounds like a book very much worth reading carefully. 🙂
I think it will be a very good book to read together. 🙂