Let me say right here that addictive materials (booze, drugs, women, money, etc.) are definitely dazzling and when used properly can be a good thing. Like nuclear energy, when used properly in measure provides light and heat for our communities, but when unbridled, it will kill you slowly and painfully.
Deception means we believed (bought) a lie or lies. Example: I’m stupid, fat, ugly, slow, angry, a womanizer, etc., therefore I’ll act out of my identity. I am a sinner; therefore I will sin.
Worship is not just a religious term. All people worship something; from rock stars to chocolate. Worship assigns value and varies as much as individuals do.
Entitlement is a heart issue tied directly to pride. Because of our upbringing, pedigree, education, tax bracket, etc., we’ve convinced ourselves or concluded that we deserve something.
Boredom obviously embraces the fact that we’ve trained ourselves to be entertained all of the time. Quiet reflection is replaced with Ipods and internet. We take foolish risks when we are bored out of our minds. A slower pace of life or video image is now considered dull.
Curly was right in the movie “City Slickers”: “ You gotta find your one thing.’
Counting your blessings is old advise, but a great deterrent to depression. Men are so driven that we get derailed when we lose one thing or another. Just thank God you weren’t on Iwo Jima in World War II.
My job doesn’t define me anymore, basically because it has changed so much. I now work to provide for my wife and kids who love me. My career never loved me back.
I came to faith in Jesus Christ years ago . He’s got wonderful things for me to see and learn. He’s given me a supernatural peace and contentment.
I climbed out of my depression hole by the grace of God and realizing that I don’t have to have all the answers. I can now live in a world of wonder like a child.
