Lesson 1 – WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
The problem is that our love of our sin is elevated above our love of God and our love of our neighbor.
– Or –
The problem is that our love of our desires [appetites, drives, passions, wants, cravings] are elevated above our love of truth, goodness, and beauty, and above our love of our family, friends, and neighbors.
In our age, our desires are inflamed by the discontent fueled by the ease of comparing what we have at home (truth, beauty, and goodness) with what we can easily see in the world around us and on our screens (lies, deceptions, and wickedness.)
We have not learned the deep joy of being a person of honor and integrity, valuing in ourselves and in our family, virtues such as self-control, wisdom, trustworthiness, diligence, strength, honesty, servant leadership, kindness, compassion, protection, resourceful provision, humility, service, and selfless love.
SELF-CONTROL IS LARGELY A GAME OF EMOTIONAL REGULATION.
Imagine that you are a parent of a 5 year old or a 15 year old.
Which of these behaviors are acceptable?
What is this child telling you with their behavior?
What are you going to do about it?
sullenness, silent treatment
whining, cajoling, nagging, begging
angry outbursts, yelling
hitting, biting, door slamming, breaking things
We are going to fail ourselves and our neighbors again, and again, and again.
[[ Simba, Frodo, Toad, Anakin Skywalker, Tony Stark, King David, St Peter the Apostle ]]
Nobody is perfect – people are messy – when messy and imperfect people marry, there WILL BE loads of apologies to be made, lessons to learn, messes to clean up, and maturity to strive for. Commitment to marriage is worthy.
Forgive in advance. Forgive early. Forgive often. Forgive BIG. And don't forget to forgive yourself.
