Alcoholism: Sin, Disease, Sickness, Malady, illness? Comments to Joe on FB

Joe: I always appreciate writings and postings that quote (and preferably document) sources. In that respect, your post is appreciated. As to disease vs. illness vs. sin, vs allergy, I pass. And I much prefer to look at two things: (1) The typical fall of the alcoholic which can be drawn from the first chapter of James--temptation is the starting point. It doesn't come from God and God can't be tempted, but the Adversary is appropriately described as the "Tempter." James 4:7 says: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you." in the "Temptations," the devil quoted Scripture to Jesus; and Jesus came right back with "It is written. . ." In my own experience, my excessive use of alcohol, coupled with the same high powered sedatives that Bill and Bob both used, doomed me to the plight I found myself in on April 21, 1986. What had brought me there? Blind behavior. Support of friends. Depression. Dishonest assessment. The Devil. Slippery places. And risk tendencies. Nuts! Just like the Jaywalker. Willpower is involved in yielding to temptation. Willpower is involved in resisting temptation. But the premise of old school A.A. was that if we couldn't relieve ourselves, and if human powers could not relieve us, God could! How? Love, power, guidance, forgiveness, healing, and an offer to establish a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Then to see the same miracles as those described in the Gospels and Acts.

11 minutes ago ·

Richard G Burns ‎(2) The surrender to temptation has often seemed simple to me: (a) We drink. Lots do. (b) We get drunk. Lots do. (c) We consistently pursue, experience, and create disaster--time after time. (d) The insanity part comes when we can never see beyond the drunk to the disaster. Instead we return like the pig to wallow in the mire. Like the dog returning to his vomit. The difference lies in the fact that, when children of God, we can hollar help and get it. "The poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and delivered him from his destructions." Or words to that effect. How does the LORD do it?

6 minutes ago ·

Richard G Burns God says "I am LORD that healeth thee." Psalm 103 says He forgives our iniquities. He heals our deseases. He redeems our life from destruction. He showers us with lovi9ng kindness and tender mercies. He satisfies our mouths with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's. That is a partial description of what Wilson and his doctors called "Divine Aid" and "Divine Help." And that is way beyond "self help" or "mutual support groups." James 4:10 says: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord. And he will lift you up." Shoemaker said we need some kind of Divine derrick to haul us out of our messes. What do we do? Decide (to quit forever). Determine to give it our best effort (to go to any lengths). Discipline ourselves to turn to God, resist the Adversary, and renew our minds to the Word and Will of God. Romans 12:1-2. It works for those who want it--whatever we call their malady, disease, illness, sin, or insanity.