At this point, I confess that knowing the theology of “the deeper life” does not guarantee freedom from addictive behavior.  In fact, some may have come to perceive the abundant life, but have become disillusioned because a resistant area of their life did not automatically change.  How can Christ in us have supreme power, yet freedom still seems out of reach?

Maybe our “car in the ditch” needs TRACTION!  Let's consider some useful principles that help us harness the power of God and apply it to specific, stubborn habits.  Think of these principles as “boards” placed under your “car” to give it traction, instead of having your wheels spinning in the mud.



 

FREEDOM PRINCIPLE 1:

THE IMPORTANCE OF A DEFINITE DECISION



We may forfeit freedom from an addiction because we have not made a definite decision to change.  We may have rejected the consequences of our negative behavior, but have never dealt the behavior a death blow.  We may have made up our minds but not made up our WILLS.

Ezra chapters 9 and 10 give us an example of the impact of a definite decision.  Some of the Israelites who returned from captivity fell into the sin of marrying pagans.  The witness and future of God's people was jeopardized by this breach of faith.  The serious nature of such disobedience was confessed by the leaders (9:2), the people repented (9:4), and Ezra lead in a prayer of confession (9:5-15).  What made the difference in this case?  The people made a DEFINITE DECISION.  The representatives said, “Let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and those who have been born to them, according to the advice of my master and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” (Ezra 10:3).  They made this decision and implemented it.  Although the obedience was painful, it freed Israel from further discipline and safeguarded their mission from God.  To break free of a sin pattern, look to Christ for power, but MAKE A DEFINITE DECISION.  Write it down in your journal, sign and date it.



 

FREEDOM PRINCIPLE 2:

AN ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIP



The Bible teaches this truth in various passages:  “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).  “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12).  You may wonder, “Does this principle imply that God is not enough for me to break free?”  No; the “car” has enough power, but we're talking about “traction”.  Even the Lord Jesus used accountability in His discipleship strategy by having the twelve WITH HIM.  When He sent them on a preaching tour, they went in two's (Mark 3:14; 6:7).

May God give us new hope and encouragement to implement these principles as we abide in Christ.  With supernatural power and good traction, no “muddy ditch” can keep us from freedom!



When we lived in Pennsylvania, USA, our first apartment was on a rural road.  One winter's day we needed to drive to another state, but it had snowed the night before.  A white 30 cm. layer of white powder blanketed the ground everywhere.  Our car then was a Ford sedan that didn't have much ground clearance.  We made our way to the car and started our trip.  After turning out of the driveway onto the road (which had not been plowed) we only drove about one block and got stuck in the snow!  How embarrassing and frustrating it was.  It took extra traction and strategy to get unstuck and make our way to the cleared roads and finally to our destination.



We have been comparing addiction to being “stuck”.  The power to pull out of the “ditch” of compulsive thoughts and behavior is the indwelling power of the resurrected Christ! We gained this favored status when we received Christ as our personal Savior by grace through faith.  As Romans 5:10 says:  “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son [salvation], much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” [liberation].

Yet this power seems to have been appropriated by some believers who have continued to struggle with besetting sin—addictive behavior.  We have used the concept of putting “traction” under the wheels of a stuck vehicle to illustrate the validity of biblical principles that relate to gaining freedom from bad habits.

These principles are “planks” that facilitate us with needed “traction” to get out of any “ditch” of bondage.  We have noted so far:  the importance of a DEFINITE DECISION and an ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIP.