Scripture
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’
~Obadiah 1:3, NIV
Quote
Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.
~John Ruskin
I learn something practically everyday. Yesterday I was reading Charles Allen’s little book POWERLESS BUT NOT HELPLESS–Twelves steps to help you overcome your problems. He borrowed the 12 steps from AA [Alcoholics Anonymous] and their co-founders Bill W. and Dr. Bob. The founders last names are still anonymous: you can join AA without fear of your name being publicized. Bill was a stockbroker from New York City and Bob was a surgeon from Akron, Ohio. The providentially meet at a bar where both were fighting the urge. Both had been sober for some time [few months] and both were intelligent enough to know that they had a problem. They founded AA in 1935 and since that time have helped millions.
I will not do all the STEPS but number one is– ADMIT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM AND NEED HELP. I have some folks on my prayer list that I am very concerned about; they have a problem–one that is so obvious that even children see it and talk about it, but when you talk to them, “They don’t have a problem.” According to them, “I have a problem and you have a problem but they don’t have a problem.” Drinkers do not want to admit the truth but alcohol is a drug and whether they will admit it or not, they are addicted. They all say the same thing, “I can quite anytime I want.” Strange thing–they never quit. Drinking becomes more than a habit, it becomes a need. As they drink more and more, they become self-conscience about their problem and they began drinking privately. They are addicted and have too much pride to admit it.
Pride is that deadly virus that keeps us from seeking help. Pride refuses to admit the need or to seek help to overcome the problem. No human is an island, we are all dependent on others. Those who think they are independent and need no one are fools and it is their own pride that has deceived them. We all need help. Every couple needs marriage counseling–no exceptions. I needed it as bad as any but didn’t have enough sense to know it. I would have an appointment with Dr. Little every week if I could afford it. If you want to scholarship me, I will take you up on it. Now a days we have churches who are willing to pay for the counseling and these kids will not go. The surest way to identify the insane is to ask them if they have a problem. When they say, “I don’t have a problem.” You know they are crazy.
Sorry, I was late posting the blog. I know Jason reads it early but maybe it is in time for most. We got a rain here last night. Maybe a half inch. We have mud in the garden.