n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 4
whether what they say is true
or false. We have outside
perspective. This is the first
step in our repentance and
spiritual reformation: selfexamination. (Ibid. 525527, 614). It is allowing
the Lord’s Divine Truth to
give us perspective on our
false ideas and destructive
behaviors, and to be able
to see that they are not
actually part of us, but are simply controlling us. Externalize the lies.
There are many ways of externalizing the lies – doing the work of selfexamination. It could take the form of journaling, praying to the Lord,
talking with the Lord, sharing in small groups, doing a 12-step program,
meditating, reflecting, talking with a close friend or family member, talking
with a counselor, minister or therapist. But however we choose to do it, it’s a
very important first step in our spiritual reformation, and our liberation from
our destructive behaviors. (Ibid. 614) And it is portrayed by the Lord casting
Legion into the pigs – externalizing the lies and false ideas that haunt us and
control us.
This was an amazing event. Two thousand pigs is a lot of pigs. And all of
them running down the steep hills of that region into the Sea of Galilee was
not something that would go unnoticed. So when the people from the nearby
towns heard about it and came to see what happened, they saw this demonpossessed man “sitting and clothed and in his right mind.” (Mark 5:15)
The Writings say that sitting before the Lord means being with Him,
and willing and acting from Him. (Apocalypse Explained 687.17) And being
clothed means that we’ve now learned truths that can really protect us. (Ibid.
240) These are truths like: these lies aren’t me; they are from hell. Once we’ve
turned to the Lord – in our self-examination, in our repentance – the Lord can
be with us, along with all of His goodness and truth. We can experience the
freedom and peace that the Lord’s life brings.
And the man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus said no. He said, “Go
home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for
you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:19)
True Christian Religion 530 says that the four basic steps of repentance are
to “examine ourselves, recognize and admit to our sins, pray to the Lord, and
begin a new life.” The Lord helped this man see his demons for what they really
were: lies, destructive behaviors; pigs that were pulling him down. This was his
The Lord’s truth helps us to
externalize the false ideas
and lies in our heads, so that
we can see them for what
they really are – pigs that are
trying to drag us down.
320