When I was younger, I used to think that dysfunctional families only happened on television shows. You know, you have the lovable dysfunctional family of TV sitcoms where everyone still has their problems, but they make you laugh, so it's okay. Or you have you dysfunctional families of TV dramas, where [insert family member(s)] may be dealing with substance abuse, abusive to their kids/spouses, emotionally distant, and the list goes on and on. The issue of dysfunction was something of an abstract concept to me, something that only happened in the world of Hollywoodland. Man was I wrong....
Over the past few weeks I have been reawakened to the frightening realness of dysfunction and the epidemic our world is suffering from. I've been reminded of my own family's history with dysfunction and abuse, and also had conversations with those I never expected to come from dysfunctional families. Last week, I grabbed lunch with a friend one day, and a mutual friend proceeded to join us. The conversation started off light, talking and laughing, but then it became a bit darker. They both began to share about their families and their dysfunctional pasts. Non-supportive parents, manipulative relationships, adultery, lying, hypocrisy were just some of the topics mentioned. I sat there in complete silence, not knowing what to say, amazed with the battles they have to fight daily. However, I was even more amazed by the fact of how good these two people are. How loving they are, the compassion in their hearts, their servant attitudes. (I can come up with a million other things to say, but I'll save you and me both time and keep it short) I was then reminded of the story of a family member, who came from a physically and sexually abusive home and they are one of the most loving and caring persons I have met in my 19ish years. None of it seemed to make sense. I felt like there was a disconnect. I found myself thinking "how can such good people come from such horrendous situations?"
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.- Philippians 1:15-18
(Most of you are now probably wondering why I randomly quoted Philippians. I promise it'll make sense, just work with me)
I was doing a weekly bible study with a friend and we came along this passage. At first, neither of us understood it. "How can good come out of selfish motives?" "How can Christ be preached from a prideful heart?" It seemed like faulty logic. Then, God dropped some knowledge on me like a ton of bricks. This passage is a reminder of God's power to overcome even the worst situations and evil desires to perform His good and righteous will. He can overcome selfish desires, pride and envy, greed, and dysfunctional family histories to create something beautiful and glorious. Heck, He can use selfish desires, pride and envy, greed, and dysfunctional families to produce something beautiful and glorious. This is the power of God. The power of God is not held within the limits of human sin. His infinite power cannot be contained by our finite actions. The moment Jesus sacrificed himself upon The Cross, all boundaries established by our sins were broken down. There is no more wall dividing us from God. It's truly a beautiful thing to realize.
Currently Listening
Track-"Bright and Dirty Lights"
Album- Justin King and the Apologies
Artist- Justin King and the Apologies
Currently Reading
Blue like Jazz by Donald Miller
Over the past few weeks I have been reawakened to the frightening realness of dysfunction and the epidemic our world is suffering from. I've been reminded of my own family's history with dysfunction and abuse, and also had conversations with those I never expected to come from dysfunctional families. Last week, I grabbed lunch with a friend one day, and a mutual friend proceeded to join us. The conversation started off light, talking and laughing, but then it became a bit darker. They both began to share about their families and their dysfunctional pasts. Non-supportive parents, manipulative relationships, adultery, lying, hypocrisy were just some of the topics mentioned. I sat there in complete silence, not knowing what to say, amazed with the battles they have to fight daily. However, I was even more amazed by the fact of how good these two people are. How loving they are, the compassion in their hearts, their servant attitudes. (I can come up with a million other things to say, but I'll save you and me both time and keep it short) I was then reminded of the story of a family member, who came from a physically and sexually abusive home and they are one of the most loving and caring persons I have met in my 19ish years. None of it seemed to make sense. I felt like there was a disconnect. I found myself thinking "how can such good people come from such horrendous situations?"
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.- Philippians 1:15-18
(Most of you are now probably wondering why I randomly quoted Philippians. I promise it'll make sense, just work with me)
I was doing a weekly bible study with a friend and we came along this passage. At first, neither of us understood it. "How can good come out of selfish motives?" "How can Christ be preached from a prideful heart?" It seemed like faulty logic. Then, God dropped some knowledge on me like a ton of bricks. This passage is a reminder of God's power to overcome even the worst situations and evil desires to perform His good and righteous will. He can overcome selfish desires, pride and envy, greed, and dysfunctional family histories to create something beautiful and glorious. Heck, He can use selfish desires, pride and envy, greed, and dysfunctional families to produce something beautiful and glorious. This is the power of God. The power of God is not held within the limits of human sin. His infinite power cannot be contained by our finite actions. The moment Jesus sacrificed himself upon The Cross, all boundaries established by our sins were broken down. There is no more wall dividing us from God. It's truly a beautiful thing to realize.
Currently Listening
Track-"Bright and Dirty Lights"
Album- Justin King and the Apologies
Artist- Justin King and the Apologies
Currently Reading
Blue like Jazz by Donald Miller
1 comment:
Amen, and amen.
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