In a popular Seinfeld scene, there is this poignant interchange between Jerry and Elaine.
Jerry: “Is this about me?”
Elaine: “No.”
Jerry: “Then I’ve lost interest.”
And that is the problem for most of us. If something is not about us, we aren’t interested. But recovery takes us down a different path – one that values others and sacrifices our own self-interests for the sake of those we say we love.
Today, chart a different path. Put someone else’s needs ahead of your own.
Recovery Step: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
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.
