No one disputes God’s directive to do the right thing. The prophet was clear when he said, “Maintain justice and do what is right” (Isaiah 56:1).
That leads to an obvious question. Why should we do the right thing?
Psychologist Jordan Scotti has an answer: “There is psychological research that suggests that engaging in prosocial behavior – such as altruism, cooperation, and caregiving – increases our well-being.”
Dr. Christopher Peterson adds, “Those who do the right thing are less likely to suffer from dissatisfaction.”
You expect me to fill this space with unambiguous statements about staying sober, ending affairs, and avoiding unwanted behaviors. But it is important to remember that God commands us to do the right thing because he knows we will be better off as a result.
Recovery Step: If you aren’t willing to stay sober for someone else, do it for yourself.
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.
