Find a safe place to be real

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” LUKE 18:9-14 NLT

Guard against becoming fake

Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.” LUKE 12:1 NLT
As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. GALATIANS 2:13 NLT
So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 1 PETER 2:1 NLT

Discover my beauty and brokenness

Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. PSALM 119:29 NLT *
Behold, you desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part you will make me know wisdom. *PSALM 51:6 NASB
Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the LORD. LAMENTATIONS 3:40 NLT

1. The Reformer brings change, struggles with anger
2. The Helper sees needs, struggles with pride
3. The Achiever lifts us all, struggles with lying
4. The Individualist creates beauty, struggles with envy
5. The Observer understands, struggles with greed
6. The Loyalist is strong, struggles with fear
7. The Enthusiast brings joy, struggles with gluttony
8. The Challenger is protective, struggles with lust
9. The Peacemaker sees all sides, struggles with laziness

Sandals Church was created to be a safe place for me to be real with myself, others and God.

To get access to our self-discovery assessment, sign up for our Real Workshops at sandalschurch.com/workshops

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. When was the last time you needed a safe place to be real? What made it safe and why was it so needed at the time?
2. What specific things or experiences have you had that have made being real or authentic difficult for you?
3. Read Luke 18:9-14. Why do you think being real is so important to God?
4. Even though it’s clear that God wants us to be real, why or where do you still struggle being fake or pretending?
5. Read Lamentations 3:40. As you examine your life, what specific struggle is holding you back and what can we do to help you overcome it?
6. In what ways has God uniquely gifted you to bless the people of Sandals and what are you doing about it?

Personal Reflection Guide

Spend some time in quiet stillness before God. Then read Psalm 139 slowly, letting the words sink in. As you read, invite him in to the process of revealing your truest self: your God-given strengths as well as your personal weaknesses. Ask God to show you how he has uniquely gifted you. As this comes to light, learn to embrace your strengths rather than run from them. Ask God to reveal specific areas that are inhibiting your strength. As you become aware of these areas, confess them to God, asking him for his strength, courage and power to gain victory in these areas. Finally, ask God to show you areas and provide opportunities where you can step out in faith and courage to use your unique giftedness to serve him.