Living in denial is living dishonestly. How many times have we lied to ourself and others, saying, “I can stop any time I want to!” or “I have the right to choose how I live my own life!” Ironically, as we asserted our freedom to live as we chose, we soon lost the freedom to choose anything other than our dependency; we became enslaved to it. of the family forever.
Jesus said to some people who believed in him: “You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free….I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the son sets you free, you will indeed be free….Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to do so! For you are the children of your father the Devil….He was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. There is sno truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:31-36, 43-44).
The spiritual forces that sway our life have roots in either truth or deceit. Truth leads to freedom; deceit leads to bondage and death. Denial is a lie that keeps us in slavery. When we are a slave to our addiction, we lose the right to choose any other way of life. It is only when we break the cycle of denial, when we become brutally honest about our bondage, that there is any chance for real freedom.
Thank God for his Son Jesus Christ because his blood was shed for all of our sins, and when we choose to reach out and take him by the hand and accept his help we can begin to find the courage it takes to become honest with ourself. Not only honest with ourself, but with others around us. When we begin to process all of this, healing begins. Only by the blood of Jesus is this possible, we must step out of the darkness and step into the light. Praise God!
LRB
God bless you all!