SLIPPERY SUCCESS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“What is the secret of your sobriety success?”

I get asked that a lot. Or the question is “how do you stay sober?” Or “How do you keep from drinking?”

And there are the tried and true answers to that question.

Living one day at a time.

Taking precautions.

Avoiding isolation.

Mine is JESUS. Plain and simple JESUS.

But I think the secret of success in recovery is to never become enamored with it. I know am one drink, one click, one SIN away from a mess and for me that mess has disaster written all over it.

I believe that is why the Bible warns ALL OF US against “success-filled”thinking, or in simpler terms, pride. That message is not just for the recovering.

For when we begin to experience the blessings of obedience, it's easy to forget the BLESSOR and think our success is all about us; what WE are doing and NOT ABOUT WHAT GOD is doing.

We then grow comfortable in our IN ABILITIES, IN OUR PROGRESS and in OUR BLESSINGS, and start to trust ourselves more than we should. That is when we are the most vulnerable and when we typically drop our guard against that predator that lies in the weeds for all of us.

1 Peter 5:8

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

So all of us need to stay on the lookout for pride, for “self-assurance”and for arrogance; those are cunning feelings that can swiftly destroy not only a solid recovery, but a faithful walk with CHRIST.

Solomon wisely noted…

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall

Paul also threw up a red flag!

1 Corinthians 10:12

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

Pride whispers to us, "Don't worry you're not like those addicts anymore.” “You don’t need the meetings you don’t need the fellowship you don’t need to continue to serve others.”

It is pride that pushes us to take risks, entertain dangerous relationships, and travel in risky territories. Pride says “Sleep in you don’t need Sunday fellowship.” "Church got you back on your feet, you can stay on them."

The truth is when we start to tell ourselves that we “got this thing”, a fall is waiting in the wings.

But why bring this up today?

Weekends are wrought with little potholes, blind-spots, bear-traps and “PRIDE-GRENADES”. I just wanted to offer a little reminder!

Be cautious! Be humble! Take GOD along with you everywhere and watch out for “success” it can be a slippery for sure.

James 4:6

...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

I love you all!

Have a blessed and safe weekend.

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney