Southside Scoop - 3.17.2024

T H E S C O O P

Southside Church of Christ

800 Elmira Avenue

Durham, NC 27707

info@sside.org

www.sside.org

919.688.3535

STAFF

Orlander R. Thomas Senior Minister

William A. Stephens Minister Emeritus

D’Andrea Fanning Director of Ministry Operations & Non-Profit

Candice P. Blount

Church Administrator

Quentella Williams

Executive Assistant

DEACONS

John Alcox

Anthony Green, Sr.

Arthur Hackney

John Mathis

Chester Mayfield, Jr.

Roger McDougal

Joe Williams

Keith Wright

W E E K L Y W O R D Powerful Deterrent to Shame

By RICKI FULLER

Last week we defined shame as: “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior (mortified).” This definition suggests that an action/behavior was/is unconsciously exercised primarily on illogical/unfounded information. Such results in “a period of intense mental distress” which (potentially) causes people to “experience overwhelming anxiety, paranoia or thoughts of selfharm.”

Hence, having received direct instructive words from GOD [Logos] in Genesis 2:17, it appears Adam allowed his emotions to override the knowledge that had been instilled in him. That instilled/communicated knowledge had to do with what foods were good for life/living, and what food would ‘surely’ cause death.

When Logos pronounced “you shall surely die” to Adam, He apparently spoke of spiritual death which would lead to actual separation from GOD. Thus, resulting in painfully devastating broken relationship with GOD.

Genesis 3:7 clearly states that Adam and Eve immediately experienced shame as they became aware of their nakedness. That awareness caused them to attempt to hide from their Creator GOD.

Can it be reasonably stated that such is what happens with people today? It appears that instead of owning up to our mishaps/sins/disobediences, do we blame some thing or someone; and, which ultimately results in us experiencing inward shame? Then, we find ourselves burdened with various forms of mental illness that leads to absolute unhealthy behaviors which we erroneously deem as designed to make us feel better. Of course, using inebriating substances and engaging in unauthorized activities do not help nor heal us. Surely, we get better by actively obeying Christ, and by confessing our faults, and by seeking/ asking GOD’s forgiveness.

The mere act of being honest and of being real with ourselves and with GOD, generally, serves to release the negative stronghold of shame from the human psyche. The faithful act of praying and surrendering to GOD is a definite deterrent to shame/guilt. Song artist Anthony Evans crafted this piece, 828 (Revive), that speaks to the power of believing GOD Is with us working out our shame/weaknesses for our good (Romans 8).

Meditate on the words of Evans’ song: “There is power in my weakness; It’s perfect and sufficient. Even when I lay in the bed I have created with mistakes, I know You’re working it out for my good. …All of my problems and all of my pain, You’ve woven with purpose that I can’t explain; All of the heartache won’t go to waste; I’ll stand on Your promise and I will say You are working it out for my good. …In every circumstance, I’ll stand in confidence; You won’t go back on what You’ve spoken. If you said it, it’s the truth. … Exceedingly, Abundantly, More than we can Ask or Think, I believe You know what I need. And my heart receives it. … The Lord is my shepherd. Though I walk through darkness, I’m not afraid because You are with me and protect me (Psalm 23:1, 4), all to my good.

POWERFUL!

“So God created mankind in his own image”

T H E S C O