Reflections on Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Part 2 "Lead Out of Weakness and Vulnerability"

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 Reflections on Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Peter Scazzero 

Part 2: 

Chapter 9: “Lead Out of Weakness and Vulnerability”


In reflecting on the elements of transformation in the environment of the micro group, we (GDI) have stressed that an open, honest transparency is a required. Why? It is only are we apply the truth of God’s word to where we actually live that it can change us. A major reason to keep the groups small (3s and 4s) is so that a non-condemning, grace-filled atmosphere of unshockable trust can form. 


Peter Scazzero reinforces this truth in Chapter 9 of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, “Lead Out of Weakness and Vulnerability”.  What a breath of fresh air! We can actually live out of our brokenness before a God who embraces us as prodigals who admit that we “have sinned against heaven and before you, and are no longer worthy to be called your son (daughter).” As soon we cast ourselves at Jesus’ feet, he showers us with repeated kisses. King David had come to realize after his tragic moral failure that what God required was a “broken spirit and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17) There is no transformation without coming face to face with our brokenness. 


Scazzero reminded me of an image that says it all. There is a Japanese art form called Kintsugi Pottery that takes broken pieces and put them back together using a lacquer laced with beautiful gold powder. In fact, the word kintsugi means “to be joined with gold.” What is unique about this art form is that instead of trying to hide the imperfections it features them. Though this is an expression of ancient Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi, which celebrates beauty in the damaged, flawed and imperfect, it is also at the heart of the walk of a disciple of Jesus. In fact, Paul plays off this image of an imperfect vessel, saying, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God not us.” (II Cor. 4:7)



It is counterintuitive that true spiritual authority is rooted in authentic transparency. We might think, if we confess our brokenness to one another, that will lose respect. The opposite is true. In my most recently completed micro group, one of the members affirmed in front of my other two partners that it was my honesty about some of own struggles that gave him the courage to address some deep flaws in himself that were causing great pain in his marriage. When we walk in transparency with fellow believers we are inviting Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit to meet us where we are. What a liberating way to live even as it sets other people free! 

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