My latest copy of (spiritual) pornography

Posted on September 27, 2009 by Kary Oberbrunner

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I found a copy of a magazine in my pastor’s mailbox the other day.

I didn’t sign up for this magazine.

It just came to me.

I was innocent.

I’ve heard good things about the magazine.

I’m sure they have the best intentions.

In fact, I bet I could learn a lot from this issue.

Still, I know my heart and my hang-ups.

And for me, looking through this magazine, is spiritual porn to my soul.

It causes me to lust, to fantasize, to despise the place the Lord has me in.

It puts space between me and God.

So instead of reading it, I’ve stayed away from it.

The Magazine? C1_10009.indd

Outreach Magazine.

The Issue?

The 100 Largest-Fastest Growing Churches in America.

Do you know your heart and your hang-ups?

Do you know what puts space between you and God?

http://wiredtoinspire.wordpress.com Nicole

Really, really interesting. Thanks for sharing this.
http://www.freemanfeedback.com Thomas Freeman

Very good. You made your point very well and in a very challenging way. Thanks.
http://www.kristinemcguire.com Kristine McGuire

You know, I’d never really thought of it like that before. Interesting. Great blog, Kary.
Ed

Wow–that was really good.
http://digitalpericope.net David Trotz

Thanks for posting this, its funny (or maybe not so funny) how something that’s fine for a majority of people can be a real stumbling block for others. Its those areas that are easiest for us to ignore since everyone else is ok with it, but we miss the rewards that God has for us if we would just obey.
Sarah Acker

Wow, Kary. Thanks for posting this. It’s a real eye-opener.
http://villagesmithy.blogspot.com/ Emery Smith

Some of us are so wired for the results, the end of the journey, that the teachable moments God wants us to comprehend are lost in the hustle to the finish line.

Can we make our journey longer than necessary when we are looking for a short-cut? Some things that man shares with us are not the same that He would tell us if we listen.

This is what I see in this comment.
http://billgrandi.com bill (cycleguy)

Been there on that issue as well my friend. It was a trial subscription and after receiving that one and one other I decided that it wasn’t for me. Appealed too much to the base (lust) in me. Appreciate your honesty.
Kris

I’m on staff at a church that made the list and I can tell you that I battle the same thing. Five years ago, I would have told you that my current position would be my dream job – key role in a big, fast-growing church.

I no longer have the “hunger for more” but I find myself looking at the simplicity of organic churches with the same kind of unhealthy desire you describe.

I find myself trying to walk the fine line of appreciating what God is doing in different places while maintaining the desire to continue to do what He has called me to do here.

Speaking of fine line, I’ve read both “The Fine Line” and “Called” and God used it in an incredible way in my life. Thanks for allowing God to use you in such a way.
Adam

i hear you well brother . . . excellent fuel for reflection.
Dave Mitchell

I am retired due to health reasons as a pastor of a small church (120) and now attend a good church of 700. I like the church but long for the personal contact w/ those in a smaller church…They really mean it when they say, “We’ll have to get together for supper soon” Ha !

Kary Oberbrunner

Thanks guys for the comments. I am glad the post resonated with you. I’m honored you let me be transparent with my junk and also with my Jesus! Blessings in your journey today.