Addictions are characterized by teeth.  Row after row after row of sharp, broken, asperous teeth.  Addictions are completely consuming.  Addictions drive us to obsession.  Addictions, once allowed even the slightest grasp, hastily open wide their voracious jaws and begin digging–ferociously drilling–into the hearts, souls and minds of their prey. Pornography, like any harmful addiction, is a hellion of a beast.  I have witnessed its power to tear men to pieces; literally shred and destroy their lives, their marriages, their careers and their families, each successive downward step a surrendering to yet another row of hardened, ghastly teeth sinking further and further into their withering hearts and collapsing minds.  Addictions can form in any life–man or woman, rich or poor, those called good and those called bad–no one is immune to the possibility of coming down with an addiction, and, for that reason, we should be quick to openly confront, discuss and deal with them appropriately.  Addictions grow stronger when left to the shadows; concealed to the darkness.

However, there are certain things which are truly worthy of obsession, demand our full attention and require a healthy addiction to.  What are you addicted to?  What are you obsessed with? Is it truly worthy of obsession?  Is it worthy of addiction?  Is it worth dedicating so much of your extremely limited days to?

I only bring your attention to events and organizations on this blog which are really worth mentioning. I don’t get paid to bring attention to their names.  I don’t get a kick-back for linking to their events or people.  I write about them because their cause is honorable.

If you are struggling, clenched by the teeth of pornography, or if you are simply interested in the state of pornography and how it’s affecting real people, then I would highly recommend attending this event.  IndyMetro Church in downtown Indianapolis, is holding a breakfast for men (Pancakes & Porn) in order to help those whom have “struggled without hope” and to engage in a “straight talk” discussion “about porn and the issues surrounding porn”.  The event is hosted by XXX Church.com.

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I believe that this event is worth talking about (that’s why I’m writing about it on here) and sharing.  If you want to share this story with your friends, please do so.  The colorful, familiar icons at the bottom of this post make it very simple for you to share this story on your choice of social networks.  If you want to purchase tickets, simply click on the picture directly above.

One of the many challenges for groups lies in addressing and overcoming the tendancy to develop a certain level of comfort within the framework of who they inherently are. The obstacle, therefore, is in balancing the group. In order to genuinely grow, qualitatively and quantitatively, the group has to push beyond it’s inherent walls of comfort yet still maintain it’s strong and desirable passion and camaraderie. This is successfully accomplished through great leadership.

There are 3 general types of groups

1. Groups which meet in order to help each other. The goal of this type of group is to help it’s members. Any growth is mainly in order to help it maintain it’s effectiveness and relevancy and to eventually bring more of the right people into the group. Any group centered around rehabilitation (such as alcoholics anonymous) is an example.
2. Groups which meet in order to help outsiders (non-members). The goal of this group is to help those who are not a part of the group and who will probably never become a part of the group. Some sort of work-based outreach (such as Helping Our Own People in Indy which works to feed and clothe the homeless) which does not spend any real time or resources developing members but instead devotes itself to helping those in need all around (outside of) them.
3. Groups which meet in order to help members as well as reach out to and help non-members (a combination of #2 and #3).

The ideal group is one that follows the pattern of #3, and it is the vibrancy inherent in this type of group which allows them to be especially successful.

The danger for any group is that it could, at any point in time, become complacent, lazy or apathetic toward the world around it, OR it could lose sight of it’s own values or people and become so focused on the outside world that it forgets what made it a group in the first place.

As leaders of groups, it is our responsibility to (a) fight off complacency by continually breaking through the walls of comfort that attempt to cage-in and casually define us while (b) simultaneously, energetically and intimately engaging our group from the inside out in order to continually define our group’s drive, purpose and intent. Usually, if the group is well led, the two properties will reinforce one another. As the group pushes beyond it’s challenges, camaraderie and passion grow. As the group’s purpose and drive become clearer, it’s vision for helping more outsiders will likewise grow stronger.

With all that said, the crucial element and necessary agent associated with successful groups all around the world is still great leadership.

A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him       -Proverbs 28:11

Leadership requires discernment.  Now, more than ever, top companies, small businesses, churches, schools and families are searching for and in need of people who are great discerners.  The ability to correctly perceive that which is right and distinguish it from that which is wrong (good v. evil) and quickly make a decision based on that perception, is a crucial part of any leaders character.  This is discernment.  Those who have had effective leadership roles in any arena throughout any time period, have been great discerners.  

When faced with a difficult situation, can you quickly and accurately determine the best path and confidently walk down it.  In the midst of adversity or chaos (however you choose to define chaos), can you see through the clutter, dive through the noise, and simply choose that which is true and right?  Choose the higher road.  When asked to make a decision, make the right choice and make it quickly.  Do not flirt with the wrong decision, don’t even give it a second thought.  A lack of discernment has been the downfall of many a great company and man.  Make the decision to be a great discerner.