“It’s just a flesh wound.”
– Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Those were the words from the Black Knight (John Cleese) to King Arthur (Graham Chapman), after losing both arms in the heat of combat.
The Black Knight did what we all tend to do. He minimized his condition.
What Solomon said still applies today, especially for those of us who struggle with addiction. “An honest witness tells the truth” (Proverbs 12:17).
That is the First Step. Acknowledge that you have a problem. You can’t be honest with anyone else until you learn to be honest with yourself, starting with your addiction.
Recovery Step: You need to avoid two ditches. On one hand, don’t define yourself by your worst behavior. But don’t minimize it, either.
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.
