By Nancy Virden (c)2023

Peter was one of Jesus’ main twelve students and later was martyred. The Catholic Church calls him the first pope, and we Protestants believe him to be one of the best examples of Christianity. Peter wrote at least two books found in the Bible, and he tells us in 2 Peter 1:3-9 that renewal comes in increments.

For the person in recovery, who is also a disciple of Jesus, it is a nice idea to think that if we ask him, God will just whoosh in and take away all the consequences and cravings of our addiction. While a few stories similar to this exist, I believe most of us will experience the renewing of our minds a little at a time.

Have you ever heard the term, “dry drunk”? It implies a person has stopped drinking but still thinks and behaves like an addict. The changing of how we think and deal with other people is the process to which I, and Peter, refer.

The keys to renewal are:

• Knowing God and His promises
• Escaping from corruption (by God’s power)
• Making effort
• Supplementing your faith in Jesus with spiritual maturity

It’s incredible how much Peter’s life and words give away the key to recovery. He was a Jewish fisherman, probably a nice guy, who became an ardent believer in Jesus as the Messiah. Impulsive and determined, Peter was not addicted to any substance, but his behavior shares some like components. For example, he tended to make assumptions and act on them before he had all the facts. Jesus once said to Peter’s face that in that particular moment, Peter’s thoughts were focused on temporary issues and not on the long-term plan of God. Eventually, Peter compromised everything he said he stood for, allowed fear to control his choices, and wept in sorrowful regret.

Peter said to add to our basic faith in Jesus a generous provision of moral excellence. There’s a learning curve already! So he says to add knowledge. This means we become teachable, and willing to learn how to live morally. As we learn what is moral and what is not, we add self-control in increasing measure. The practice of self-control and all the challenges that come with it teach us patient endurance. This leads to godliness (which is developing God’s good nature in us), and once God’s love is birthed in us, we show brotherly and sisterly affection to those close to us, and then brotherly and sisterly affection with love for everyone.

We cannot do all of that in an instant. Recovery and healing of the mind are lifetime commitments. Even those who are never addicted mature in this way.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Peter 1:3-4

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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