Divided Loyalty (2)
Tuesday August 15, 2017
We make ourselves vulnerable to relapse when we are willing to dwell on harmful thoughts and desires for activities that previously led us astray.
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 NLT)
When we become unsettled in our recovery we often find that we begin to entertain risky thoughts such as the following:
“I need a break”: Being obedient to the word of God is hard work. It demands we spend a lot of emotional time in unfamiliar territory. It requires energy. We are learning to be patient when, in the past, we’ve always managed to “get what we need when we needed it.” We get tired of being faithful to God. We want to take a break and just “take it easy.” We want to feel better for a while and certain habits and relationships from the past seem to offer that comfort. We rationalize that we’ve worked hard in so many areas and given up so much for our new life that we deserve a little something even though it is harmful. Once again we are divided in our thinking. We want to do what is right but we don’t do it. Instead we do what is wrong and subsequently regret that we have fallen back into our old ways. 
I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-17 NLT)
God has given us the strength to succeed in our new life. When we get to this place of temptation we need to recognize the familiar pattern and choose to bring ourselves back into the care of the God who loves us.
God has given us the strength to succeed in our new life. When we get to this place of temptation we need to recognize the familiar pattern and choose to bring ourselves back into the care of the God who loves us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, my mind and heart are divided. Please give me strength to overcome the temptation to run. Help me to wait patiently as I seek your guidance. AMEN
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