Right in My Own Eyes (2) – One King Leads to Another

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us. As thanksgiving is drawing closer, are you thinking about things you can give thanks for this year? Things like health, job, or family members? Or is your mind already racing ahead to what you want for Black Friday? A couple of weeks ago I read on the news that a well-known retail store refused to give in to American consumerism by closing on Thanksgiving Day as well as Black Friday. They simply wanted their staff to enjoy a great Thanksgiving break with their family. I applaud their effort for doing so, and I hope there will be more stores willing to make those courageous choices of celebrating family values.

We live in a culture where we are constantly bombarded by advertisement. They tell us that if we simply purchase this item we will be happy. Underneath that value of happiness lies the dark underbelly of the American dream – I can do what I want, when I want, with whom I want as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody. We don’t want “kings” in our lives, whether those kings are parents, bosses, the government . . . or God. We want to do what’s right in our own eyes. But in our attempts to do what we want, when we want, with whom we want, we end up serving little kings like appetite, lust, fear, comparison, insecurity, consumption, and greed.

Moving Forward

You weren’t created to rule yourself. As long as you attempt to, you will eventually find yourself ruled by the “little kings” in your life. Maximum freedom is found under the authority of the Creator King. The great news is that when you cry out to God, he is willing to rescue you. But because he knows the power of the little kings, he requires unconditional surrender.

Discussion Questions

1. Talk about some cultural examples of people getting what they want, but giving up their freedom in the process. Why do you think we tend to glamorize that kind of life?

2. As you think about your family history, where do you see generational dysfunction caused by people doing what was right in their own eyes? What have you done to try to break the cycle?

3. Think about the “little kings” in your life. Why is it easier to say no to God than to say no to the things you substitute for God?

4. What is one area of your life where you see the pattern of forsaking God, following the people around you, and surrendering your freedom? What can you do to begin to break that pattern? How can this group support you?