Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #18 — Temporary Fix

Picture: Counsel #18 — Temporary Fix CI 176.1

Sometimes, when we experience emotional pain, it’s tempting to take a shortcut to feel better. Some like having a drink to silence anxiety, others may join a neighborhood gang to feel confident or included. Our instant gratification culture promotes doing or taking anything to make the pain or self-doubt fade. But what “promises” to numb the ache only dulls the healing.^[192] CI 176.2

Alcohol and recreational drugs can seem like an escape, but they often lock you deeper into what you were trying to escape from, creating even more problems that mask the underlying pain. Substances do offer a temporary high, but they also wreck your body, damage relationships, and delay accountability and healing. They create a false version of you, based on disconnection, not growth. Despite what society says, you don’t need to be numb to be okay. Instead, God wants you to choose healing over escape. This might mean opening up to a counselor, developing better coping skills, and certainly inviting God into your life more fully. It means being brave enough to ask: “What’s my real hurt that’s driving this urge?” and letting the answer lead you to something much healthier and lasting — God’s everlasting grace and healing. CI 176.3

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV CI 176.4

“Drugs given to stupefy, whatever they may be, derange the nervous system.” Ellen White in Temperance, p. 83 CI 176.5

Reflect: What are some of the healthy and unhealthy coping strategies you use for coping with your feelings? CI 176.6