Sometimes, it’s what you don’t do that makes the difference.
Someone asked a concert violinist how she became so skilled. She gave a two-word answer: “Planned neglect.” She explained that she neglected everything that didn’t contribute to her goal, which was to be a master violinist.
Successful recovery requires planned neglect. In order to grow in your recovery, you must learn to neglect certain people, movies, social media, and other distractions that take you off course.
I love the Phillips translation of Romans 12:2. “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.”
The Denison Version is similar: “In order to be more Christlike, you must embrace planned neglect.”
Recovery Step: Identify one thing or person in your life that has become a detriment to your recovery. Then embrace the practice of planned neglect.
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.
