Separation and Solidity: Day 2
‘The fallen condition is a crisis in separation, and within the trauma of broken relationships resides what is described today as the identity crisis…
Evil, is in actual fact, separation, separation from that which completes me. Theologically speaking, sin or evil is separation from God; psychologically speaking, it is separation within, and ultimately, from my true of higher self:
“We know that the Son of God has come and has come and given us understanding to know Him who is real; indeed we are in Him who is real since we are in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, this is eternal life. My children, be on watch against false gods.” (1 Jn 5:20, 21)
It is significant that the Apostle John here warns of false gods, for when I am separated from God, I posit my identity in the creature (the created) rather than the Creator. My eyes will be focused on an idol. But looking to Him, I begin to know who I am. Listening to Him, I begin to die to the old self-centered and self-conscious self…With each act of obedience, my will is strengthened and I begin to grow moral fiber; with each act of worship, my spirit is strengthened and I begin to know of a certainty that Another is with me, and lives in me.’
(The Broken Image, pp. 30, 31)
Leanne helped me to make the link between same-sex desires and broken relationships that hindered my masculine integration. Using bullies and some gaps in family life, the enemy scored a victory in persuading me that I was a louse of a guy. Idols displaced substantial relationships that might have bolstered sexual confidence.
Payne united good theology with good psychology. Separation drives disordered desire; union with Jesus gives us the chance to order our desires. Still, we have choice: will we renounce the idols we have worshipped in our distress? Will we then grow strong in our Jesus-centered selves through real acts of worship?
‘Jesus, You help us connect the dots between early fractured relationships and our vulnerable adult selves. Help us to know You are there, our very real help in composing us, bringing together disintegrated facets of ourselves. Instead of worshipping creatures, we ask for ardor to worship You wholly.’
‘Jesus, please confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the US Supreme Court.’
.jpg)