Our Choices Have Consequences
Relapse Series
“It is vital that we pray for God's protection and set boundaries for ourselves to help mitigate our exposure to temptation…”
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”
Explanation:
Jesus’ ministry is permeated with language of choice. Our choices have consequences, both for ourselves and for our neighbor. Thus, each decision we make needs to be considered with an eternal perspective. Such is also the case when we do things that are potentially addictive in nature, as the consequence can leave us in a very vulnerable position. In this section, Jesus teaches about the nature of a specific exorcism. To be sure, the demon does depart. However, it cannot abide being cast out, and seeing that his former home is now put in order, returns with a vengeance, bringing seven more spirits more evil than itself to dwell there. Because of this, the afflicted person is left even more vulnerable than before.
This gives us an insight into the importance of response to God’s grace. When an evil spirit is cast from us, it is imperative that we respond to God’s work within us. We must nurture our souls with the very words of Christ, lest we open ourselves back up to be spiritually attacked. The same is true with addictions. When God helps us to make progress in our battles, it is important that we do not become complacent or think we can trust in our own strength to remain in a recovered state. As this illustration shows us, a reformed and cleaned house is worth nothing if there is no lock upon the door.
Connection:
Relapse is a tough topic. Those of us who have personally seen the damage that addiction does to people and communities understand how devastating it can be for a person to have made great progress in their battle, only to fall back into its grip. The return of the demons that were once expelled can leave the afflicted person guilty, hopeless, and confused. It doesn't matter what the nature of the addiction is - pornography, drugs, alcohol, gambling - all of these can become a most dangerous idol whose spirit is relentless and very reluctant to let go of the struggling person. If the person is not equipped, the addiction can threaten the very life and salvation of the whole person.
While addiction itself is idolatrous and sinful, it often snowballs into more sin and becomes incredibly complicated. It can implicate other people in their cycle as well. However, God is not aloof to the pain and struggle present in addiction. He knows the nature of spiritual oppression, and he longs to remove the burden and guilt from the hearts of those who are addicted. He understands that the battle against addiction is generally a lifetime battle, and may often be filled with exuberant highs and very dark valleys where people will become ensnared once again in the addiction trap. Yet, even though we have failed, we know that Christ himself was also tempted. In the wilderness, he resisted the temptations of the devil - a temptation that we in our weakness have so often fallen. There, he denied himself of everything - being sustained solely by the word of God and growing in his resolve to take away the sin of the world. And on the cross, that is exactly what he has done. Lifted high above the Earth, he has displayed your guilt and shame for all to see, and by his death it has died along with him (Gal 2:20). Thus, we know that we have been crucified along with him, and thus we have faith for our ultimate deliverance from this body of death - a body that continues to be plagued with the corruption of our passions. Therefore, let us rejoice in our victories over addiction, and when we fall, pick up our cross and get back in the fight (Mark 8:34).
Action:
1. Be Honest -
Denial is a common trait when dealing with addiction issues. It is very easy for people who have fallen back into the addiction trap to not acknowledge the gravity of the situation they are in. Confronting the reality of the problem will help to have a realistic plan for recovery (Prov. 16:2).
2. Seek Help -
As difficult as it sounds, a relapse is falling back into slavery to our own passions. As Peter teaches us, "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire" (2 Peter 2:22). When we recognize that this is the case, it is imperative that we get the help that we need in order to continue our fight. In this, it is crucial that you seek the support of a credentialed addiction professional who can help you to deal with the addiction.
3. Set Boundaries -
Proverbs 25:28 teaches us that "a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." Addiction is opportunistic, and it will establish itself wherever we let our guard down. Thus, it is vital that we pray for God's protection and set boundaries for ourselves to help mitigate our exposure to temptation. This might be painful and require us to step away from circumstances or relationships that could cause our destruction. However, we know that in Christ we are a new creation. The old things have been left behind, and he is making all things new (Romans 6:6-8).