Support Those Struggling With Addictions
For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience? -- 1 Corinthians 10:29b
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God -- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
-- 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
He is an alcoholic. There’s no doubt about it. Somewhere inside, I believe he knows that. But he’s so self-destructive that he can’t stop what he’s always done to hide from his unhappiness and feelings of inadequacy.
She is his mother and, in my ways, his worst enemy. She condemns his drinking even as she gets drunk herself. I suppose in her mind her drinking is prettier, more refined. But a drunk is a drunk, if you know what I mean.
Our church has started a Celebrate Recovery program for all those who want to overcome their habits and hang-ups. It’s not just about alcohol and substance abuse. It’s also for those of us who have issues that keep us from living full lives in Christ.
For example, I have two dear friends who attend meetings because of depression. Other friends attend because grief has shattered their world and they struggle to cope with the life that is left.
The truth is that in your life you’ll have people who will support you and love you and do all they can to help you, no matter what is going on. And you will also have people who will do everything they can to undermine your attempts to overcome your habits and hang-ups, even as they deny their own.
Consider the overweight person desperately trying to shed a few pounds, both for health and self-esteem issues. And think of the spouse or parent eating bowls of ice cream or slices of chocolate right in from of the person trying to lose weight. It would take some supreme willpower to overcome the temptation. And that is the point.
People use all sorts of excuses but the truth is they don’t want us to get better. They’re comfortable with us where we are. They may not like us. They may claim to want to help us change. But their repeated attempts to sabotage us tells a different story.
So what’s the answer? Stop depending on yourself to do it alone. Depend on God to see you through. Remember that their issues are their own and you’ve got Jesus in your corner. You belong to Him and He will give you strength to walk away -- literally -- rather than fall back where you’ve been before. One step at a time. One moment at a time.
And if you’re one of those who repeatedly exercises your “freedom” while another person struggles -- shame on you! As Paul said, we are not to cause anyone to stumble. That means put away the alcohol when you’re around someone who is an alcoholic. Same with tobacco and desserts. Show kindness and compassion and support in all things so that others might see the love of Christ in you.
