Partners
In Hope

Street Smarts Or Living Wisely (2)

Wednesday August 2, 2017


We often bring our “street smart” thinking into recovery with us.  Evidence of this shows when we compare ourselves to others and decide we’re not so bad because others are doing worse things than we are.  We gossip and feel important when we know something that others do not know. When someone challenges us and we counter-attack with a smart remark, we feel pretty good about ourselves. We use degrading words to embarrass or victimize a person or an ethnic group.  Any of these practices are evidence that we’re not living wisely in recovery but are settling for “street smart” behaviour.


The Bible tells us:  An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. (Proverbs 12:17-19 NLT)


It doesn’t take long in recovery before we notice that “street smart” thinking is filtering back into our minds in other ways.  We try to convince ourselves that life in our addiction “wasn’t so bad.”  Things may not be changing quickly enough for us so we tell ourselves that there are too many challenges and not enough people to help and we need to find a way that will work best for us.  These familiar, but twisted ideas roll around in our heads challenging the truth that is still fresh and unfamiliar.  If we pay attention to this way of thinking, we will become discontented and will be well on our way to relapse.  A safe and solid life in recovery requires that, with God’s help, we learn to think and act in new ways and develop a wise heart.

The naive believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise are careful and avoid evil, but fools become excited and overconfident. Short-tempered people make stupid mistakes, and schemers are hated.  (Proverbs 14:15-17 CEB)

 God's desire is that we replace our ways of being "street smart" with practical ways that are guided by His wisdom.
Respect and obey the Lord! This is the first step to wisdom and good sense. (Psalm 111:10 CEV)


Prayer:  Loving God, Lead me by Your truth and teach me Your ways for I put my hope in You.  Amen


©2017 Partners in Hope  
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Audio for Street Smarts Or Living Wisely (2)

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