More WDW Questions and Answers
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May
18, 2004: Police Raid WDW Detectives said they hope the search will yield evidence that may explain what the Smiths were thinking and what role, if any, their religious beliefs played in the death of the child. Question #1: Praying for leading or signs?
More WDW Questions and Answers: 1. Question:" Lynette, Can I ask you a dumb question? Should we pray for "leading" or "signs"? I know Gwen said to do it, but I am not considering that a good reference. In rethinking everything I am pretty confused about stuff like that. " Answer: I would think that the Lord leads in many ways and that we should pray for His leading.. Since there are very few instances of praying for signs (Gideon & the fleece is one that comes to mind) from the Lord in the Bible, I would be cautious about using that principle as a method of finding God's will since the Bible is the overarching guide for discovering His will. I believe we as Christians need to rely more on prayer and the revelation God gives us in His Word and through His Spirit (which should never contradict the Bible). An example of how Paul was led by the Spirit is in Acts 16:6-8 6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. NIV 2. Question: The advantage/disadvantage of using another program: "I have been mulling over your thoughts about "programs". I want to use another weight loss program because the chance for reaching a lot of people is so great. People like all the support (tapes, books, etc). Plus, it is easier to get coordinators for programs because they don't have to put a lot into it. So, you can reach more people. Do you see my dilemma?" Answer: My experience with people in WD is that they get "hooked" on the leader and the teachings and they begin to let the "program" have too much authority in their lives vs. the Bible and Christ. So, right now, it might be a good time to re-group and take a break from a "program" and any leader.... since everyone needs to get back to the basics of what real Christian living is all about. That's where the power is anyway for overcoming the eating issues. I believe that God is far more concerned with: our growth in Him, love for Him; understanding of scripture and making Christ Lord of our lives than anything else.... even evangelism! Mark 12:28-31 says "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." NIV And when we are learning to love God wholly ......we will love our neighbors and evangelizing will come as a natural/supernatural result. 3. Question: What should we be focusing on now after WD? "I thought about doing the Thin Again book in conjunction with our bible studies. What do you think? It is very psychology laden, so I am somewhat leery of leading a group with it. Could you give me some sound advice?" Answer: I haven't read the TA book, but, if you decide to do this in conjunction with the Bible studies, you could role model how to critically read the TA book.... always comparing and contrasting it with the Bible. The problem with WD is that Gwen acted like "the guru" and claimed to have as much authority as prophets in the Bible..... that's scary. People need to recognize when a leader or teaching is false, mis-leading, contradicts scripture in some way, distorts the truth or has a wrong emphasis. I believe in teaching people good "hermeneutics" so that they properly interpret scripture and thus, can always compare/contrast other teachings against properly interpreted scripture. Many people got led astray by Gwen's legalistic bent and many did not notice that she didn't include the gospel in her books.....now, we all know why: she didn't teach the gospel. She taught salvation by works not grace through faith in Christ alone. Unfortunately, a lot of damage was done. And a lot of baby Christians or non-believers were led astray or harmed in the process. Anyway, I go back to what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Tim 2:1-3 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. NIV Maybe you and the others need to grow in Grace since that is the opposite of what Gwen taught. And maybe you are called first to disciple these women spiritually. If you make this the emphasis, ...... growing in the grace and strength of the Lord Jesus and teaching the Word of God, then, weight loss may no longer be such big issues for the women. 2 Tim 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. NIV 2 Tim 4:1-3 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. NIV I would just encourage you to go with the leading you are getting. If you want to do TA with the Bible studies.......try it! See what God has in store. But, be ready to criticize the authors...... because they are not infallible and must surrender to the authority of the Bible. Even though I am a counselor, I do criticize many psychological theories and methods out there because I believe they contradict scripture and what God would want us to do. A good book on this is Larry Crabb's Effective Biblical Counseling in which he compares and contrasts psychological theories against scripture. He finds that some do not contradict scripture while some/many do. God bless you in your journeyl. I will be praying for you. It's great to see how God is using you through this. Josh 1:8-9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." NIV Maybe now you will really see God's miracles..... not in the weight loss/issues..... but, in the miracle of how Christ changes people from the inside out, how He can bring healing and hope and how He can build up the Body of Christ to be more like Him. Bless you! Lynette
Resources: See the Weigh Down Workshop News, Links, Articles, and Controversial Teachings Reviewed page. Lynette Hoy, NCC, LCPC |
Notice: This column is not intended to take the place of direct professional mental health services but rather to provide insight into various problem situations and possible helpful resources and interventions. Please contact AACC for a referral to a mental health professional.
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