Many products have warning labels that read, “Toxic chemicals”, “Poisonous”, “hazardous materials”, “harmful”, etc. You get the picture we have to be careful when using such products for cleaning, and not to drink them or we can endanger ourselves or others.
Too often, we are surrounded by toxicity and we are unaware of it. At times the danger is right under our feet. For example, open your kitchen or bathroom base cabinets and see how many toxic chemicals are stored underneath.
Some of the toxic zones we are unaware of or can take for granted can be alcohol abuse, drug abuse, other addictions including gambling, verbal and emotional abuse, (including social media) sexual addiction, or pornography can destroy people, family, friends, and homes.
The danger of any addiction is that we are not aware of it or we continue to justify our toxic behavior. Yet, the people around us know you need help.
Let me add a few other toxic behaviors including gossip, envy, greed, excessive shopoholics, religious oppression such as legalism, controlling, over shepherding, and manipulating others, etc.
In order to get help we must become aware of our own need and realize that we can’t go it alone. Besides, most lone rangers hardly ever survive. Temptations surround us everyday with some form of vice to keep us in bondage or slavery to that addiction. Nobody is above and beyond temptation in this life.
“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. [13] The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Although God created us in His image, we as humans all sin (missing the mark) and fall short of His glory. What happens is that our sin can become a chronic disease and we can stay enslaved by treating the symptoms and shunning away from the root of the problem. Pride and self sufficiency lead to spiritual blindness.
Rather, we must be be honest with God and honest with ourselves, looking deep within ourselves when confronting the problem. We need God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. It amazes me how some people try everything under the sun but blame God or others for their situation. We have heard it said: “Hurting people hurt people!”
There is much pain that is difficult to face due to the guilt and shame built up and buried over the months and years. This guilt and shame becomes toxic and we can take it out on others, especially loved ones or a close friend, coworker. We hurt the loved ones around us, yet are blind because we allow ourselves to make excuses and justify our actions.
Remember we are responsible for our own actions and behavior. Each one of us has a free will and we make these choices! Yes we choose, so stop blaming the devil or those around you.. “The devil didn’t make you do it”, we get tempted, or our own self draws us to act out our behavior.
“But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?”
Romans 7:23-24 NLT
Our heart and mind need to be renewed on a daily basis and to allow the power of God’s grace to help us walk in victory over temptation everyday. God is here to help you and not to condemn you.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
My friend, let me say it’s okay to get help and you will be supported by many of your family and friends. There is power in praying to the Lord Jesus Christ. Allow God’s word to renew your mind, heart, and attitude. This is not easy and you will not be disappointed. The road to recovery and being set free from addiction is a process. A gruelling process at that, but the rewards are so worth it. You may have tried recovery at times but failed. Its not a sprint but a marathon! Jesus Christ made a difference in my life 45 years ago by faith I received Him as my Lord and Savior. He can and will make a difference in your life too! God will restore what the enemy has tried to rob and destroy from you.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued (delivered) me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
2 Samuel 22:17-18 NIV
Jesus came so that you may have life more abundantly” John 10:10b
Enjoy your week my friend with one step and one day at a time. You can do this and you can change if you let Him.
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Awesome post and spot on! Unfortunately, toxic people don’t come with written warning labels. Only through their actions can we get a warning. How God exposes them is through their behavior and it’s up to us whether to allow them to harm us and others. Thank you for posting. God bless!