First Things First (1)
Monday March 16, 2015
One of our first priorities in recovery is sorting life according to the truth. We are sick and need to be healed. We are weak, sinful, and crazy at times. We need to be forgiven, strengthened, cleansed, and enlightened by God’s word and the power of God’s Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. Then and only then we can think about setting our circumstances, our relationships, and our world in order. First things first.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)
We cannot even see what is good or sane until we first find healing and forgiveness through Jesus Christ and get our relationship with God sorted out. Only God can give us an undivided heart and fill us with truthful thoughts and healthy desires. We must have these foundations in place before we can hope to build a healthy life with God in recovery. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (Romans 7:18 NIV)
There are many theories about addiction and the lifestyle that surrounds it. We'll never get well if we're calling sin sickness. Doctors can help us with sickness but only God can forgive our sins. We need to allow God's truth to sort our deceitful hearts and then doctors and counsellors can begin to provide us with physical and psychological help for other problems. God desires that we have a full life through the abundant provision of His grace. He made us. He knows how we work. He knows where the true nature of our problems lies.
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:14-16 NIV) First things first. How am I welcoming God to show me His directives today? Have I surrendered my life to God and given His way of life priority in all my affairs?
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