Sometimes it’s difficult for women to understand the impact sex and sexual desire has on men. The answers in this video came from the general public, not just sex addicts.
porn
The Case of the Super Christian
1 Timothy 1:12–17 – “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.”
Do you find yourself struggling to measure up to the way you think a Christian is supposed to behave? How would you feel if a great Christian leader admitted to a similar struggle? Many of us probably find Paul’s self-disclosure above a great relief because we struggle with a perfectionist ideal of how a mature Christian should behave. We idealize others we know or see in leadership and compare ourselves to them, feeling we do not embody the love, grace, patience and wisdom a “good” Christian should.
As a result we feel inferior, guilty and discouraged; our growth path becomes hampered by these obstacles. However, knowing that someone like Paul, who served God passionately and accomplished so much in his life, can say that he is “the worst of sinners,” gives us hope. It helps us to not focus on trying to be a “super Christian” and instead accept where we are today.
The goal of spiritual growth is not perfection but maturity. Our growth in Jesus will bear fruit in a transformed life and character (see Galatians 5:22 – 23). But we will still have issues and struggles. The Apostle Paul also said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (see Philippians 3:12). We must press on and not let our imperfections get us down.
This devotional is drawn from Boundaries, by John Townsend and Henry Cloud.
The Boundaries devotions are drawn from the Boundaries book series, which has transformed marriages, families, organizations, and individuals around the world. The Boundaries series is written by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. Copyright 2015 by Zondervan; all rights reserved. Learn more at BoundariesBooks.com.
“Codependency, the True Ball and Chain.”
“Codependency, the True Ball and Chain.” First, what really is codependency? If you Google codependency you get the following definition:
noun: codependency; noun: co-dependency
- excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically a partner who requires support due to an illness or addiction.
How does a relationship go from healthy to codependent? Like all things that are unhealthy, it starts small.
Many of you might remember the Julia Robert’s movie, “Runaway Bride.” In the movie, Julia Robert’s character is asked by the reporter, played by Richard Gere, how she likes her eggs. As the storyline progresses it is clear she has no idea how she likes her eggs. In each of her previous relationships she ate her eggs exactly as her husband-to-be enjoyed THEIR eggs.
This is a Hollywood example, but it rings true, a relationship that is healthy is made up of two people, with unifying goals, not two people who stay together out of fear, low self esteem, caretaking responsibilities, addiction, etc..
Julia Robert’s character went from one relationship to the next because she was scared to pursue her own dreams, and found it easier to morph into the woman each man wanted her to be. People in codependent relationships experience a lot of dissatisfaction and anxiety because their relationship doesn’t bring joy, it is a constant tightrope of fear and bargaining.
A person married to an addict might stay because they fear that without them, the person they love might overdose, the addict stays because they feel guilty about what they are doing but can’t or won’t stop.
A few questions to ask yourself:
-
Are you with your partner because you want to be, or because you feel stuck?
-
Are you or your partner engaging in healthy behaviors or do you stay out of fear or pity because of addictions?
-
Is staying in this relationship negatively affecting your mental or physical health?
If you feel that you are part of a codependent relationship, being on the site is a great step in the right direction, it is your chance to branch out from your partner, to find support, to give yourself a break and reassess. Find your own interests and passions; find you again. Of course this doesn’t erase the core issues that drove you to create this codependent relationship, but it will give you the space for clarity and in that space you have the ability to make changes.
All the best-
SupportGroups.com
Castimonia Purity Podcast Episode 57: I Get Drunk, We Stay Sober – Addiction Recovery in Community
Doug discusses the elements of community as they relate to recovery. We are stronger together, and there are elements of recovery that can only happen when we walk through them together.
Please visit castimonia.org/podcasts for more information or links to the books referenced. As always, email us at puritypodcast@castimonia.org with any questions and/or comments!
Thanks for listening!
When Your Wife Says Switch Seats…
