When we think of the word, “prohibition,” what’s generally the first thought that comes to mind?
Bootleggers?
Drunken people passed out from too much moonshine?
The roaring 20’s?
Yes, those things have been closely associated with the word. But “prohibition” speaks to much more than alcohol. It speaks to desire, want and our real or perceived unmet needs.
“Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits. Fanatics will never learn that, though it be written in letters of gold across the sky. It is the prohibition that makes anything precious.”
Mark Twain
Thank you, Mr. Twain.
So, then, what are we to do with the moderation concept? Scripture brings it up, after all.
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
But what do we do with that moderation principle if, truly, we cannot handle it?
It’s not a matter of condemnation; it’s about sensitivity. Each one of us has weaknesses in certain areas. It can be to food, alcohol, drugs, behaviors and compulsions. These things don’t make someone a “bad person.” These things make us human.
Therefore, we need to take an inventory about things which may be “triggers,” either to ourselves or to others.
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.”
1 Corinthians 8:9
And, ultimately, let’s be health-minded, working with, not against God in these delicate matters.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
Romans 14:13
Recovery is about process- an imperfect, individual and important one. It involves identifying and dealing with issues like desire, unmet need, pain, trauma, temptation and what needs to be “off limits” in our lives.
God is there to walk us through these matters. He IS there to guide us.
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand, and whenever turn to the left.’”
Isaiah 30:21
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye.”
Psalm 32:8
In recovery, be aware of your own prohibition issues. Is it an unrealistic expectation of “never” doing the determined prohibited thing again? Is it about pressure? Is it about punishment? Is it about failure? Each one of us has a different definition of what’s in prohibition.
Each one of us also has a loving God who leads, helps and provides. That includes insight, sponsors, programs, support people and healthy outlets of expressing emotions.
And, from this incredible provision, there, indeed, comes another word: choice.
Whoever-wherever- however we are, we can choose another choice. What will that choice be? Will we say yes to God, life and to our health, no matter how tiny that “yes” may be?
What would happen if we didn’t prohibit
that?
Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse
Drunken people passed out from too much moonshine?
The roaring 20’s?
Yes, those things have been closely associated with the word. But “prohibition” speaks to much more than alcohol. It speaks to desire, want and our real or perceived unmet needs.
“Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits. Fanatics will never learn that, though it be written in letters of gold across the sky. It is the prohibition that makes anything precious.”
Mark Twain
Thank you, Mr. Twain.
So, then, what are we to do with the moderation concept? Scripture brings it up, after all.
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
But what do we do with that moderation principle if, truly, we cannot handle it?
It’s not a matter of condemnation; it’s about sensitivity. Each one of us has weaknesses in certain areas. It can be to food, alcohol, drugs, behaviors and compulsions. These things don’t make someone a “bad person.” These things make us human.
Therefore, we need to take an inventory about things which may be “triggers,” either to ourselves or to others.
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.”
1 Corinthians 8:9
And, ultimately, let’s be health-minded, working with, not against God in these delicate matters.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
Romans 14:13
Recovery is about process- an imperfect, individual and important one. It involves identifying and dealing with issues like desire, unmet need, pain, trauma, temptation and what needs to be “off limits” in our lives.
God is there to walk us through these matters. He IS there to guide us.
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand, and whenever turn to the left.’”
Isaiah 30:21
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye.”
Psalm 32:8
In recovery, be aware of your own prohibition issues. Is it an unrealistic expectation of “never” doing the determined prohibited thing again? Is it about pressure? Is it about punishment? Is it about failure? Each one of us has a different definition of what’s in prohibition.
Each one of us also has a loving God who leads, helps and provides. That includes insight, sponsors, programs, support people and healthy outlets of expressing emotions.
And, from this incredible provision, there, indeed, comes another word: choice.
Whoever-wherever- however we are, we can choose another choice. What will that choice be? Will we say yes to God, life and to our health, no matter how tiny that “yes” may be?
What would happen if we didn’t prohibit that?
Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse
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