Redemption Groups :: Week Six

We broke into our groups this week to unpack the teaching Counterfeit Repentance. We went around the room, and each member answered the first question that Pastor Ryan asked, “What do you love more than Jesus?” Normally our answers vary, but this time almost every single person answered with “approval of others.” It was kind of a relief to know that I’m not the only one. We all desperately want to be loved and accepted. It’s not a wrong desire, until we worship it. We have all failed the people that we have worshiped: A friend, our parents, a spouse, a boss, a church, a workplace, and even our prideful selves. All of us have put so much pressure on ourselves to please people because we desperately desire love. It’s really quite sad. Pastor Ryan said in the teaching, “You become what you worship.” When the people we worship tell us they are disappointed, we think we have failed. When the people we worship are pleased with us, we are pleased with ourselves. It’s an unnecessary burden we’ve carried for a long time.Then we moved on to the other question, “What are your counterfeits to repentance?” Each member is in a different place, but I would say we all are having trouble seeing ourselves the way Christ sees us. In the beginning of Redemption Groups, I was guilty of mere confession. Two weeks ago, I was guilty of blame shifting. I’ve said before I am both abused and abuser. I had a mindset that said “I just responded to the hands that hurt me,” and once I was honest with how I responded, I could see my own sin- a prideful heart before God. True repentance includes getting specific, and that’s where I was wrong before. I could confess specifically how I was wronged, but then generalize what I did in response. When I truly repented my pride, I was humbled to know Christ would even touch my sinful hand.  I won’t say every day is easy. I was once told that Satan leaving you alone is not a blessing. I am still invited to look back sometimes, but I am learning to praise God for who He is. I praise Him because He is much bigger than me and my story, and; I praise Him because He is in control. I wonder if in those moments, when I am tempted to look back, maybe it’s because Satan feels threatened by my changing heart. My heart’s not perfect, but I’ve surrendered it to Infinite Hands.Find the rest of the blogs in this series here.For more information on Redemption Groups go here.