…continued from last post…
As we grow and are nourished in Christian development, we will naturally become religious. Many are drawn to a functioning, and in some cases a malfunctioning, body of religion. This born-again Christian’s claim of religion will need to align with God’s word. If it misaligns, the person whose heart is set on God will grow discontented. Then we have people who are convinced to follow a form of religion to a point where their heart is no longer in sync with the Holy Spirit. And there are those who become part of a group that is foundationally safe and in alignment with God’s Word. This is good, but this does not give the soul of man an exemption from the effort of having his own connection with Truth.
When we learn to understand how it works, we are humbled in the sight of a Glorious God. We are compelled and motivated to practice religion, not for the accolades of others, but for an inner joy of being in harmony with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Our nourishment naturally, mentally, and spiritually, will align when we are in sync with Jesus, the Master tuner of our ECM.
When we became Spiritual, we were given a connection that is very precious. We were also given a level of understanding, together with promptings from the Holy Spirit. When we are quietly in sync with the Holy Spirit, we are able to make settings and changes on our ECM, with His assistance.
Some of these settings, and even a new default, will change in a very slow subtle way. Many times, we will understand that a change has happened. We know it happened; however, we cannot distinguish a specific point in time where we recognized that “Once I was blind, but now I can see.” Other times we are gifted with a rather abrupt change. A wow moment.
When I finally realized my life was in the control of alcohol abuse, I cried out for help. Circumstances led me to a 10-week rehab program on the West Coast. I will always remain thankful for the impact these trained people had on my life. Ultimately, I have been blessed with abstinence from my Demon to this day. I do not have cold sweats and cravings. I am, however, very well aware that I must carefully protect this gift.
Alcohol can be an addiction. But an addiction is not alcohol. An addiction is when we are a slave to something. In my case I’m presuming the alcohol would have killed me. I’m guessing Jesus stepped in. The counsellors and teachers were tools to a good end. But friends, “Jesus stepped in!”
And he did not take away addiction. He helped me abstain from alcohol. Now I would say he works with me day by day to combat addiction. I see many of my church-going fellowmen who carry themselves in a manner that looks good, yet are slaves to addictions. But it seems it is not clear to them. It appears they have not reached the crossroads.
In my drinking years I would drive myself materially. I would excel in my work. Then I’d hit a crisis. My escape was alcohol. I could forget the things I wasn’t ready to face. For a night at least. Until eventually I came to a place where more wasn’t enough. Thank God for the prayers of others!
My friend. Where are your default settings? In what matter or matters are you still a slave? When are you planning to face the truth?
