Recently, during one of my Freedom Group sessions, a participant said something that has really stuck with me. It was truly profound:
“As we grow in our recovery, our standard of sobriety gets higher.”
Let that sink in. As we become stronger in our recovery work and take new ground, something else happens. What we allowed ourselves to do before, we now consider off-limits. Our middle circle behaviors are redefined. And that’s a good thing.
In theology, we call it progressive revelation. That means that God reveals more of himself to us progressively, as we grow in our capacity to receive it.
Paul told the early church, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat, for you were not yet ready to bear it” (1 Corinthians 3:2).
Recovery Step: Take stock of the state of your present recovery. Then ask yourself (and God) how you can raise your standard of sobriety.
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.
