Addiction....
Recovery.....
Cravings....
Clean and Sober.....
It's all a battle.
At one time, the mind and body was being pumped full of mood-altering substances which broke down any moral barrier that may have been present.
Lying became the norm for our old life style.
Cheating and stealing became the means of survival.
Spiritual darkness totally engulfed us, even though we didn't realize it or even acknowledge it. We were doing o.k. in our own estimation. But we were blinded to the truth of our condition. Outside, we somehow managed to appear at least half-way put together...
But on the inside, things were falling apart at a rapid rate.
The addiction caused us to minimize what was happening to us....
"I don't have that big of a problem."
"I just use on weekends".
"What's happening to me is just a bump in the road...I'll be alright."
"Problem? I don't have a problem."Do those sound familiar?
So now you've worked Steps #1-3 and you have established this new relationship with Jesus. What now?
You have to view this new life as kind of like joining the army.
There are certain things that you will need to address as you learn this new way to live.
We are going to take a look at some of the essentials needed to fight this battle as you move away from your addiction.
#1 - Get under authority ----learning to submit
Psalm 18:27 - For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.
I Peter 5:5 - In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Anyone who joins a branch of military service must begin the day knowing how to obey orders. From day 1 of their arrival to basic training, nothing belongs to the soldier anymore---
His hair is cut...
New clothing is issued to him.
His schedule is determined by leadership.
For a period of time, freedom is lost and submission is taught.
It is important to understand that putting the devil to flight will require submission to God. James 4:7 tells us, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
We find our new orders for living in Hebrews 12:1-2:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
If you read Step#3 carefully, you'll see that it involves turning over, or submitting, will and life to the care of God. We become followers of Christ.
Think on this today and ask yourself, "Have I made the commitment to submit to the authority of Jesus?"
God on you.....
mb
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