Strongholds
"Inherent in the stronghold of self-help is the misbelief that I can change myself. It's a commitment to the old cliche`, 'If it is going to be it is up to me.' In Christianity, it's nothing but bootstrap religion and positive legalism. It's just another version of 'God helps those who help themselves.' For some strange reason, most people believe that it they can change their behaviors, they will be able to change as a person. This is simply untrue.
"Alcoholics and addicts know they can enter a treatment center for any length of time and be fine while there and have little struggle. If their beliefs aren't changed, however, they leave and quickly return to their old habits. Only God can change a person. When Christians understand their identities in Christ, their behaviors will change. Most Christians are trying to be someone they already are and get something they already have. The truth is we are in Christ, dead to sin, freed from it, alive to God, victorious and righteous in Him. When we believe these truths, our behaviors will change.
-STRONGHOLDS OF ADDICTION (unknown author to me)
"Alcoholics and addicts know they can enter a treatment center for any length of time and be fine while there and have little struggle. If their beliefs aren't changed, however, they leave and quickly return to their old habits. Only God can change a person. When Christians understand their identities in Christ, their behaviors will change. Most Christians are trying to be someone they already are and get something they already have. The truth is we are in Christ, dead to sin, freed from it, alive to God, victorious and righteous in Him. When we believe these truths, our behaviors will change.
-STRONGHOLDS OF ADDICTION (unknown author to me)