Patrick Carnes has identified four basic core beliefs of every sex addict:
- Something is wrong with me.
- If you knew me, you wouldn’t love me.
- I can’t depend on anyone but myself.
- My greatest need is sex.
At the root of every addiction is an intimacy disorder. Usually, this manifests itself with insecurity and low self-esteem. Perhaps now is a good time to remind you of your identity in Christ. Celebrate the following.
You are accepted (Romans 15:7), chosen (John 15:16), and free (Galatians 4:7). You are forgiven (1 John 1:9), a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17), and a child of God (John 1:12). Further, you are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and you belong to Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:23).
Your “addict” is sending you one message. Your Savior is sending you a different message. Which one are you going to believe?
Recovery Step: Claim your identity in Christ.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
