By: Dr. Mark E. Shaw
September has arrived again and during this #NationalRecoveryMonth you will be hearing lots of reminders about various pharmacological and therapeutic solutions. In today’s world, this is the main solution for the problematic behaviors of idolatrous “addiction.” But the current view of what is happening in recovery is short-sighted and here’s why:
Recovery is a good word and a good goal – to be a better version of yourself. But “recovery” is a medicalized term leading people to mistakenly think of medical solutions only.
This falls short.
Drinking alcohol excessively and using other drugs excessively (since alcohol is a drug in liquid form) is not just a physical, medical, mind, and brain-altering problem.
These behaviors are evidence of a sinful heart desire problem, which was solved by the Lord Jesus Christ for all those who come to Him in need of forgiveness from every sin committed and in need of salvation of the soul.
Heart Level Counseling
God, our Creator, knows everything about our problems at the heart level— even at the heart of what is called “addiction” and “recovery.”
Because He created us, He alone can grant true freedom from addiction.
God not only offers an improved, recovered self but He also provides the person who comes to him in faith with a total transformation. The Lord God of Heaven and earth wants the idolatrously addicted person to become like Jesus Christ. In Romans 12:1-2 the picture is becoming a butterfly after having been a caterpillar– the closest metaphor we have for soul salvation and the resulting newness of life.
Metamorphosis
(photo cedit, Mary Shaw, 2013, monarch butterfly at Columbian Zoo)
And it even gets better! A completely transformed life starts with the Holy Spirit living inside of a new believer, who is now repentant from his or her idolatrous addicted behaviors.
Because of Christ Jesus and His forgiveness of all sins and cleansing from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), our Creator not only forgives our sinful addictive choices but He places a new desire within us according to Phil 2:12-13 which says:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (ESV)
So a transforming Christian can live a guilt-free, shame-free life that is
empowered by the Holy Spirit
informed by God’s Word
and all for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
That person can help others rather than focusing upon serving himself.
Now and Forever!
Yes it gets better still!
Not only can the transforming once-addicted Christian live a powerfully effective and loving life, but eternity with God now belongs to him or her!
Imagine being transformed and resting assured that eternal life with Christ in a forever blissful state has been gained while eternal torment has been shunned. And there is nothing more to earn–because it is complete! The Gospel Good News is so vital to addiction issues.
When we rightly label “addiction” as a sinful heart desire problem and an idolatry or drunkenness problem, life becomes clear.
People Recover- Yes!
This month you will hear:
“People recover from alcohol addiction.”
“People find freedom from drug use.”
Those sound hopeful, just like, “I can be a better me.”
But God’s goal is even greater – He calls us to be like Christ by being transformed in the renewal of your mind. (Romans 12:1-2) The world needs Jesus and His truth and love.
IMAGE CREDIT: Graphic, Recovery Month vs Transformation Month on scale, copyright (c)2024 The Addiction Connection, by Mary Shaw. Full free permission granted at no charge to share and/or use the above image in quoting or reviews as long as it is shared in its entirety without additions or deletions along with this notice.
What the Bible says (2 Cor 3:12ff) about true freedom is just better.
It is actually the best way to live, and the best path to what the world currently calls mental health.
Why is transformation better than recovery? Because of the abundance of hope Jesus offers. It’s just better to be born again.
“Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.””
(John 3:3, ESV).
As biblical addiction counselors, we have a superior message that outweighs what the world says:
National Recovery Month – be a better version of yourself. Sober is good. Valuing life is commendable.
National Transformation Month – be like Jesus Christ. Be sober but be someone who loves and serves others in a sacrificial manner. Valuing eternal life is supreme.
Dr. Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., CABC, ACBC, IABC, CADAC II, is the Founder and President of The Addiction Connection. He is a biblical counselor, ordained minister, speaker, and author who has been involved in counseling since the early 1990’s.
Dr. Shaw has taught in 8 different countries on 5 continents. He now serves his local church full-time as the Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, at the Nocatee Campus. Dr. Shaw’s resources are found at Christian Book Distributors, and other retail locations as well as amazon.com/author/markeshaw
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