Submission

Yesterday I was sitting talking to 'J' (not Pastor J but somebody else). They have a relative that is a heroine addict. They are shocked, the most ironic thing is that they were surprised it was heroine not 'just pot' (I have seen 'pot' destroy just as many lives as heroine or crack). Most of us are addicted to something, admit it already, it makes giving it up that much easier, because you must first admit you have a problem. J also knew someone who died from alcoholism. I don't know if that's a real cause of death, but it was a war that waged on. They tried to get over their addiction but alas, they didn't.

There is one thing I struggle most in my walk. It's one thing that just doesn't seem to go away. I fight it EVERYDAY! everyday. It's not something illegal, but I don't measure my sin against someone elses. Sin is sin. The commandments weren't ranked in order, people just find a way to justify their own sin, and sinful nature.

This person thinks the only way that their family member will kick this addiction is to be locked up. This was so hard for me to hear. Because what happens when life returns to normal? Somehow we need to learn a way that we will always be plagued with addiction(satan) but we need to find the way to say no, every time. The yoke of addiction is sometimes more than we can bear, and while it may subside for awhile, it never really goes away until we pick up a new yoke. But no matter what our spirit subsides to, we must submit. I think it's much harder to be an addicted than it is to be a Christ follower.

Matthew 11:28-30 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Comments

Pat said…
Addiction of any kind rules our lives. I like your line: "I don't measure my sin against someone else's. Sin is sin" I wish more Christians could see how true that is. Saying 'no' to an addiction of any kind has to be reinforced by submitting to God - giving it totally to him from the heart, not just from words coming out of our mouths. The act of submitting is really a daily effort.
Love like you've shown helps much more then a finger pointed in judgement.
MSU gal said…
Great post.

If every one at church was like you, there would be many more people in the church.
John Cowart said…
Hi Margie,
What a powerful post.
Thanks.
My youngest daughter uses NO and other stuff. It's difficult for out family to know what, if anything, we are to do to help her.
This has gone on for over 15 years and we are exhausted.
I really appreciate the things you've said here. Thanks.