Really. I just want to move on.

1.      What are some of the tell-tale signs that we are settling for pseudo-transformation rather than a true and life-changing work of God within us?

When we know all of the correct answers to the test and can earn all A’s in class, but we cannot put the knowledge into practice. When we are more concerned that we look righteous, than that we act righteously. When everything we do is to please others, but not ultimately to please God. When we try to be what we are not in order to fit in with the other liars. When we are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. If the body does not, cannot transform, how can we expect the members to be able to transform. When everyone is pleasantly fake and hides their heart.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Matthew 22:37-40

2.     How do these passages fly in the face of boundary-marker spirituality and call us to authentic faith?

They show that it has nothing to do with how you dress or what you do for a living or even the rules and laws that you keep. All that matters is one action. The act of LOVE. LOVE towards God first and foremost followed by LOVE to ALL others. Authentic Faith is exhibited through love. Loving God first and foremost with our hearts and minds, strength and souls. It doesn’t matter how righteous you look or act or pretend to be. If you cannot love another, it is all for show. If you cannot love your enemy, it isn’t a sacrifice.

3.     Put an X where you see yourself in this picture. What is it going to take for you to move more intentionally toward God’s will for your spiritual life?

Legalistic, boundary marker faith … Genuine love for God and others

I’d have to say, right now, I’m sitting pretty firmly in the legalistic, boundary marker faith even as I try to fight against it. I’m still waiting for a glimpse of Genuine Love in others. I’m starting to feel that my lack of trust in the genuine in other humans is preventing me from moving intentionally. When people say one thing, but act in direct opposition to what they say, I see lies, whether it is their intention or not. Yes, it is merely human. I need to look toward God’s love which is perfect. But either He is being silent, not talking to me, or I am in denial and unwilling to accept what He is asking me to do. Maybe I am just not ready yet. Periodically I catch something that stirs my heart, but quickly I am able to come up with a reason for the love that I see. I want to see someone loving the unlovable. Me? So I’m not technically unlovable, just feeling that way. Not feeling the love. It is SO hard to give LOVE when your tank is empty.

4.     John writes about the tendency to become judgmental and exclusive. What are some of the consequences if we let the poison of judgmental pride fill our hearts:

a.     For us – we pull back from others. We look down on others. We withhold love. We disintegrate. Pity party. Because no one is worthy of our exclusive group.

b.     For the church – we don’t function as a family. Rather we are a dysfunctional family. We don’t like each other let alone love each other. We fight over which part of the body we are.

c.      For those outside of the church - we turn off seekers. We turn them off of Christ. Non-Christians HATE Christians even if they love the man Jesus.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.

Ephesians 4 31:32 (NIV)