Double Bind
The book bytes continue. T-minus four days till Wild Goose Chase releases.
Can I share a personal conviction? I think vision is the cure for sin. One reason many of us get entangled in sin is because we don't have enough God-ordained vision to keep us busy. The more vision you have, the less you will sin. And the less vision you have, the more you will sin. It is a vision that keeps us playing offense spiritually.
Too often we try to stop sinning by not sinning. That is what psychologists call a double bind. It's sort of like saying, "Be spontaneous." You can't be spontaneous now that I've told you to be! The way to stop sinning is not by focusing on not sinning. The way to stop sinning is by getting a God-sized vision that consumes all your time and energy.
Can I share a personal conviction? I think vision is the cure for sin. One reason many of us get entangled in sin is because we don't have enough God-ordained vision to keep us busy. The more vision you have, the less you will sin. And the less vision you have, the more you will sin. It is a vision that keeps us playing offense spiritually.
Too often we try to stop sinning by not sinning. That is what psychologists call a double bind. It's sort of like saying, "Be spontaneous." You can't be spontaneous now that I've told you to be! The way to stop sinning is not by focusing on not sinning. The way to stop sinning is by getting a God-sized vision that consumes all your time and energy.
11 Comments:
MB,
THANK YOU. God has been whispering this to me for a few weeks. You know it just takes a voice sometimes to confirm it. I have a great vision for the work I do, but it is NOT big enough. Today in the shower even, I heard Him say "your vision is NOT big enough Jeremy"
WOW......
Quick note to say I'm loving the "WGC" and appreciate the privilege to review the book with an early release (http://www.icrucified.com/icruciblog). I'm making plans for a bulk purchase to hand out on our upcoming leadership retreat. I handed out E. Peterson's Long Obedience last retreat and I think pursuing Holy Spirit aka Chasing the Wild Goose will the Long Obedience very nicely.
Love it Jeff.
Thanks!
Mark
Cannot wait to read this book. You've got my appetite up big time! Great Stuff!!
Mark - just finished the Wild Goose Chase - loved it man.
It spoke directly to me and where I've been in the last few years. My wife and I know what our Calcutta is and are trying to figure out what our next steps are. This book really challenged me, as I know you prayed it would. It was like the pages of it became my mentor for a few hours. I'll have to get the podcasts so I can be a part of the Goose Chasing series.
Thanks.
I'm reading the book for a review right now, but I haven't gotten to this part yet. Interesting how this fits with something God had shown me about how vision fits with the renewing of our minds just recently. See www.hikerdude.wordpress.com
I can't wait to be able to finish the book this weekend.
Love it.
Psalm 119:30
“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.”
There comes such an ability to overcome sin when our spiritual eyes, heart and life are fixed intently upon His word & action for our life! Big vision equates big offense.
Mark
The book is dealing with me right where I'm at. Almost finished with it. Can't wait to post the review.
That's a real good piece of wisdom right there... I'm going to have to get the book when it comes out. Thanks Mark.
I love using double binds. As a former therapists that is now a minister, its one of those many tools that I use on a regular basis. It's great to see ministers who don't just limit their reading to "religious" books. Thanks for your blog and your two books. I am really enjoying Wild Goose Chase right now.
I have also been struck lately by the reality that not only did God give Paul vision but also a thorn in the flesh. I think it's important to have a safe place to share our weaknesses. It is in weakness we are strong and they keep us dependent on God and help us to remember who's providing the vision and the ability to see the vision through to completion.
Post a Comment
<< Home