I read about an off-duty police officer in Newark, NJ. He had a pistol-shaped cigarette lighter, which he had been using all night while drinking at a local tavern. After hours of drinking, he apparently mistook his .32 caliber revolver for the lighter. When he went to light his cigarette, he shot and killed John Fazzola, who was seated five stools away at the bar.
The first thing most of us do when caught in our habit is to make excuses. We shift the blame. Things aren’t as they appear. It’s not that bad. The excuses are without limit.
But choices have consequences, whether intended or not.
The Bible warns, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. Whatever one sows, that will he reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Recovery Step: Think consequences. The next time you are tempted to act out (and there will be a next time), remember the end game. Choices have consequences, whether intended or not.
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.
