I am writing this in an attempt to offload some thoughts, and not from a perspective to prove any other viewpoint right or wrong. I lay no claim to an earned right of authority.
My first thought comes from a teaching from the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
This proverb reinforces that man’s thoughts, scholars’ viewpoints, the opinions of the masses; all must be sifted through the screen of results. “The end thereof are the ways of death.” This might well imply that when we consider a particular theory of philosophy, it may appear founded and grounded throughout the testing of its merit and authenticity. But the end result is can still be death.
My father and I have both experienced heart attacks, resulting in dietary restrictions. In the seventies, my father was urged to avoid eggs. They were considered a huge contributor to cholesterol buildup, which was detrimental to heart health. The advice for the 2020s has morphed into dietary instructions completely the reverse from the directives of the seventies. After my heart attack, eggs in my dietary regime have been encouraged as an excellent source of protein! As many as 5 eggs a day! My point being, obviously, that not all authority has the same viewpoint.
Addiction as it applies to a person who has, or once has had, an infilling of the Holy Spirit, who has experienced new birth, who has been taught the precepts of the Bible, will indeed need to be viewed from an additional angle; not only from a psychological point of view.
When I resigned to attend a well-renowned Rehab Program, my first question prior to enrolling was whether they were Bible Thumpers. I was extremely bitter toward religion, and was adamant that I wanted no part of religious council. I was assured they were neutral on all points of religion. I signed up.
The program I became a part of was supportive of the twelve-step program. It, however, took the teaching into neurological patterns. Behavioural patterns. Childhood experiences. The whole gamut. When I hear about current cutting edge addiction rehab, much of what was covered in the program I attended is still utilized. 10 weeks later I walked out of the doors a man on the mend. I thank God from the bottom of my heart for providing me with this experience. I fear my disease had a strong enough grip that my life was probably on a downward course.
At no time in the 10 weeks that I spent there was I inclined to forfeit faith. This is now close to fourteen years ago. I am no longer an out-of-control alcoholic. I am still addicted. I still face my vulnerability. I thank God I can belong to a group of believers who understand me. Often, they understand me much better than I understand them.
I have triggers; things that set me off. I have times I substitute alcohol with other vices. Vices that have gripped me in the past. I hang my head in shame. I am a failure. Then God sends a messenger. The messenger is kind. They have often not experienced addiction. But they understand.Enough for today.
