The Best Way to Stop Drinking: Day 46
Often quitting addiction becomes a series of I wont’s. I will not be around certain people. I will not watch certain TV shows or movies. I will not do this or that in excess. The million dollar question is – is this really Jesus dynamic plan?
We need to understand that all of the I wont’s are only there so that we will be free to do the I will’s.
When we read about Jesus disciples we rarely read about how they struggled all the time with sin or addiction. Why? There were 3 huge reasons. The first was because they were in the presence of Jesus. The second was because they were busy doing something.
Many of us think – wow that would be spectacular to have lived when Jesus was on earth. It would have been spectacular.
But, if we learn the habit of getting the sin out and of worshipping and praising God all of the time. We then do have the Holy Spirit in all His glory with us all the time.
2nd, we know Jesus disciples were always busy doing something for Jesus. If we on the other hand are only busy doing something for Jesus 3% or 5% or 7% of the time. Then we are leaving plenty of time for us to get back into trouble.
3rdly the disciples would have taken a day of rest and focused on worshipping God. Balance keeps us healthy
I have a daughter who doesn’t have the highest level of discipline in the world. But she is always busy doing something for Jesus. She always says I will to Jesus and she always means it. And you guessed it – she doesn’t have any addictions.
Pastor Charles Box wrote the following: (I added the black text.)
LEARNING TO SAY “I WILL” AND MEAN IT
The best way to stop drinking is to say, “I will” use my talents for God. If every member of every Church would use their talents for God many lives could be touched. It is easy to be critical of others when we are guilty of not using our talents. Those who do what they can will be blessed and they will be a blessing to others. But what a terrible fate awaits those who do not use their talents for God! “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:14-30)
The best way to stop drinking is to say, “I will” be an active participant in the work of the Lord. I want to think of God as “My God” and His work in the church as “My work.” “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) I will make every possible effort to attend every assembly of the church. I will be certain to attend Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes. I will determine that the Lord and His work are going to be first in your life. What needs to be done? Everything! The possibilities for involvement in the work of the Lord are endless. What skills has God blessed you with? Do what you can for Jesus. If we are willing participants in the Lord’s work, we will soon understand that serving the Lord is one of the most enjoyable experiences of a Christian’s life. We learn to become a part of something larger than ourselves. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:7-8)
The best way to stop drinking is to say, “I will” invite and bring friends to the church assembly. All of us have someone in our acquaintance that we can influence to come with us to the services of the church. If every member of every Church would be serious about this one thing our growth would be phenomenal. Go by and pick up people for the services. Sit with them when they attend. Make them feel at home. Let them feel our love. Introduce your visitor to others. Put forth a special effort to have your visitors in your home. Go to work for God! “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Watching someone you invite to church improve their life, might inspire you to improve yours.
The best way to stop drinking is to say, “I will” pray earnestly each day. I will pray for our elders and their work. I will pray for unity. I will pray for lost souls who need Christ. I will pray for those friends and relatives who need the blessings of God. I will also pray that I can grow spiritually. I will pray daily and when payers are offered in the assembly I will pray fervently. I will pray daily for the church, for its members and for its work. We need to pray for one another because we all stand in need of prayer. “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.” (2 Timothy 1:3)
Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Jesus will make you a soul winner. Nothing is more powerful than accepting Jesus’ “I will” of service and soul winning. (5) Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Jesus said “I will” give rest to those who come to Him; the rest comes to those who labour and are heavy laden for Jesus. When Jesus said “I will” He meant it. There are some things we should say “I will” about and we should truly mean it!
Read Matthew 18, and Acts 11-12
As of March 2018 this is the final day. Many will want to go through this program again to add even more new “habits” that will positively effect their lives.
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