Christian Recovery: Don’t Open Addiction Doors

I see it all the time. Someone lives a clean and sober life for months or years at a time and is then tricked into thinking they can get away with having wine with dinner or a few beers at a barbecue. Well, some are tricked, but others have simply given in to the temptation and found a way to justify their actions. But regardless of why someone chooses to drink after a period of sobriety, the fact is, by doing so they opened the door to their addiction and welcomed in relapse.

It’s ironic (and foolish) that those who preferred drugs to alcohol often say this when they’re about to switch their main addiction to another: “Alcohol was not my problem, so a few drinks won’t hurt.” While this may seem like a sane statement to make, turn the scenario around and the insanity emerges. “Drugs were not my problem, so I can smoke a little pot or smoke a little meth and it won’t hurt me.”

It’s a slippery slope whenever a former drug addict picks up a drink. No one escapes without a fall. Those who come to their senses quickly get away with a few bruises, but others fall hard and the consequences are dire. I’m talking jail, prison and death. I have walked many loved ones of the formerly addicted through the pain of a major relapse, and attended many funerals of those who re-opened a door to addiction.  

While Satan and his demons can’t make anyone do anything, they do spend a lot of time ‘suggesting’ that a drink won’t hurt. They know that Christians who struggle with addiction only need to open the door a little for the plan of the evil one to fully enter. And there are plenty of Christian people who knowingly or unknowingly point out to the recovered addict that Jesus and the disciples drank wine, so it’s not a sin. Combine that with all the commercials and merchandising efforts that lure the weak toward alcoholic drinks and it’s easy to see how and why recovered Christians find themselves in relapse.

So don’t open the door, not even a crack. If you have ever been addicted, do not allow alcohol to touch your lips or enter your body. It’s a trick!

If you're struggling with addiction, or you know someone who is, our Christian recovery book can help. Click here for "Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery." Or, check out our website at www.thesolidrockroad.com

The Servant Heart in Christian Recovery

As a Christian, you’re called to a standard that extends beyond human nature. Ultimately, your love and service to others mirrors the condition of your heart. The goal as you walk along the Solid Rock Road is to soften your heart according to the Word of God, and in so doing, soften your heart toward the lost and to Christians and others in need of your help.

A hard heart cannot model Christ, nor can it serve without selfish intent. Therefore, Christians who practice the sin of addiction must get in the habit of serving others. Look around your church. There are single mothers and the elderly who could use your compassion and your practical assistance. During the holidays, offer to feed the homeless at a nearby shelter, or purchase presents anonymously for a family suffering from financial distress.

Make up your mind to do at least one good deed every day, and create a list of ways you can be of value to your family, friends and neighbors. When you think about other people and do random acts of service, you will think less about yourself and have less time to think about doing drugs and alcohol.

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