The constant tension between the self and others is at the core of Christianity. Church leaders are neither immune to this struggle of the faith personally, nor within their congregations. Author and researcher George Barna released new findings last week that show how Americans are managing to both indulge themselves and show compassion to others. How?

Well, Barna looked at 20 lifestyle elements—things Americans do in a typical month—both to help others and to meet their own needs. Of course, most adults more readily revealed kindnesses shown and good citizenry exhibited than were willing to admit to self-indulgences. However, the research shows both types of activities—even those that cross over Christian moral boundaries. What appears is a sort of spiritual schizophrenia.

Reaching out...

Here’s what Barna found:

* The good things Americans say they are doing are topped by recycling. A large majority (74 percent) of U.S. citizens are keeping it green.

* Another big group (48 percent) are helping the homeless and poor.

* Some 25 percent are volunteering at a church or other non-profit group.

* Nearly half (44 percent) are talking about faith or spiritual matters with others.

...But lacking self-control

On the flipside:

* Speaking evil, including profanity, gossip, lying, angry words and getting even or fighting, tempted some 86 percent of Americans. If there is any reality in reality TV, it would attest to the truth of this problem. Profanity and bad-mouthing were the biggest offenses; some 61 percent of Americans admitted they have a problem with their words.

* Seeing evil, including viewing pornography or explicit images on screens, lured 38 percent of Americans in an average month. For 14 percent inappropriate sexual gratification included an illicit affair.

* Hearing evil included about 6 percent of adults who illegally downloaded or traded music.

* Getting drunk and gambling are common pastimes for some 16-18 percent of Americans. Drug use was relegated to only 3 percent.

A need for more salt and light

Interestingly, Barna found that Christians are "statistically indistinguishable from non-born again adults on most of the behaviors studied." Still, Christians are less likely to view sexually explicit material, less likely to swear and cuss in public, and more likely to rely on God than the lottery. They are also less likely to recycle.

"The respect, patience, self-control and kindness of born again Christians should astound people, but the lifestyles and relationships of born again believers are not much different than others," said David Kinnaman, who directed the study of American lifestyles.

Should being forgiven be the only differentiation between a believer and a non-believer? How do you address the issue of holiness in your congregation?