Skip to main content

THE LAW

We know that the Law is spiritual. But I am merely a human, and I have been sold as a slave to sin.  In fact, I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate. Although I don't do what I know is right, I agree that the Law is good. So I am not the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. - Romans 7:15-17 (CEV)

For many of us recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction, living under the thumb of the law has significant meaning and has impacted our lives [at one time or another] in a seemingly adverse way. Turning from secular law (the law of man) to God's law seems to make it even worse--if we are not saved and don't know the value of God's grace.

Please take a moment to read my post on the value of the law.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Are You Thinking About What You're Thinking About?

That was the topic and title of a sermon I listened to Saturday afternoon on the Internet by a Pastor who I am fond of named Mike Dodson. As usual, his message was timely for me. In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. -Philippians 4:8 (GNT) When I got sober, it was [first and foremost] because I was ready and willing to do so and asked God for help. It began (as everything does) with a thought. Often in my life, bad things began with thoughts like "one more time" or "this time will be different." Sometimes, near the end, it was more like "I just can't control myself and don't care anymore. I am what I am." It is true that God does not control thoughts. We have been given free will--which means we have the freedom of our thoughts from which we may act on. Obviously, if God did control thoughts, we would not have...
Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin. -Proverbs 13:3 (NRSV) Last night, my wife had posted something political on Facebook (which she often does) and had her first experience with someone who vehemently disagreed with her viewpoint, choosing to respond in an angry manner. He accused her of such things as racism (I know my wife and she is no racist) and was "sad" for her. She was upset, called my attention to it and asked me who he was (she had "friended" him because he was a friend of friends and didn't really know him). I didn't know him, but was angered at his nasty little unfounded comment and accusation, firing back from my account that he should reserve his shame for himself. I also questioned why people can't disagree with the present political climate without being labeled racist?  In the back of my mind as I'm posting it, it occurred to me that it was simply venting and would serve n...

The Home Group

One of the most important things I did early on was get a home group and get involved. To better understand what a home group is all about, I offer this from the publication The Twelve Concepts for World Service : Experience has shown that for most A.A. members, membership in an A.A. group, known as a "Home Group," is vital to maintaining sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. In the early days of the fellowship, the A.A. members actually met in the homes of fellow members and shared their experience, strength and hope with one another. From this "Home Group," they went on to help newcomers seeking sobriety through A.A. Thus, the concept of the "Home Group" has grown to thousands of groups through which the "Home Group" member helps others to recover from alcoholism. Through the years, the very essence of A.A. strength has remained with the traditional "A.A. Home Group." This is true especially where isolated alcoholics have found s...