You don’t relapse because you don’t know what to do. You relapse because you don’t do what you know.
Mark Twain was right: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble.”
We don’t lack knowledge; we lack wisdom. David prayed, “God, look within the hearts of men and examine all their motives” (Psalm 7:9).
When facing your next test or temptation, ask yourself three questions:
- What is the wise thing to do?
- What does my friend say is the wise thing to do?
- What do my experiences say is the wise thing to do?
Wisdom trumps knowledge every time. In order to stay sober, you don’t need more knowledge, you just need to use the knowledge you already have – wisely.
Recovery Step: Ask God for wisdom.
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.
