The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality

Idea - When our spirituality

emotionally healthy we are not who we

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to be – there are

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places deep beneath the surface of our lives.

When our spirituality

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emotionally healthy God has been allowed to

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not just the surface parts of us but

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of us.

Iceberg Illustration:
-10% above the water represents what everyone can see
-90% below the water surface represents things that are not seen or that come out under great stress

Saul’s Example:

Then Saul went after Amalek, from the canyon all the way to Shur near the Egyptian border. He captured Agag, king of Amalek, alive. Everyone else was killed under the terms of the holy ban. Saul and the army made an exception for Agag, and for the choice sheep and cattle. They didn’t include them under the terms of the holy ban. But all the rest, which nobody wanted anyway, they destroyed as decreed by the holy ban. 1 Samuel 15:7-9 MSG

Saul went on the mission just not

the way

As Samuel came close, Saul called out, “God’s blessings on you! I accomplished God’s plan to the letter!” 1 Samuel 15:13 MSG

Saul has not done what was asked but he thinks he

So why did you not obey God? Why did you grab all this loot? Why, with God’s eyes on you all the time, did you brazenly carry out this evil?”Saul defended himself. “What are you talking about? I did obey God. I did the job God set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to God at Gilgal—what’s wrong with that?” Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command he says No to your kingship. 1 Samuel 15:19-23 MSG

3 Characteristics of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality In Saul

1. He says “no” to reflection and self-awareness
   

   …“I have sinned. But don’t abandon me! Support me with your presence before the leaders and the people. Come alongside me as I go back to worship God.” 1 Samuel 15:30 MSG
   Saul gave in and confessed, “I’ve sinned. I’ve trampled roughshod over God’s Word and
   your instructions. 1 Samuel 15:24 MSG

1. He says “no” to cultivating his relationship with God
   

   Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing not staging a lavish religious production. 1 Samuel 15:22 MSG

1. He says “no” to being broken through setbacks and difficulties
   

   Though he was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Hebrews 5:8 MSG
   Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? Differing weights and differing measures—the Lord detests them both.Proverbs 20:9-10 NIV

You might be emotionally unhealthy spiritually if:

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