WHAT SHOULD I DO? HE/SHE IS AN ALCOHOLIC! PART 2

AN ALCOHOLIC

When a Christian spouse is ready to change an unbearable situation, he or she must first seek wisdom from the Lord (James 1:5). Every home situation is different, so a spouse should seek godly counsel and the word of the Lord because it will take courage and support to follow through. Jesus wants His church to help bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). A sober spouse who is serious about making a change within the family will involve trustworthy counselors and seek pastoral guidance (John 10:10).

An important step is recognizing that this battle is not yours; it is the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15). The alcoholic spouse is not the enemy. He or she is in bondage to the real enemy, Satan (Romans 6:16).

Alcohol is merely the lure Satan uses to ensnare a careless person. As a fish bites at a fat worm dangling in the water, humans bite at the enticing promises Satan dangles before us. Neither realizes that enticement was not the real goal. The hook was the reason for the lure.

When Satan can hook our minds by distorting them with drugs or alcohol, he can control our actions. Ephesians 5:18 warns us not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He must have control. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that the battle is against the powers of darkness not the person controlled by them.

Setting healthy boundaries for the home comes next. A Christian spouse can let the alcoholic know he or she is loved but that the destructive behavior will no longer be tolerated. Ultimatums are difficult but are sometimes necessary to help the addicted spouse understand what is about to happen.

The pending threat of losing what he or she loves may finally motivate an alcoholic to seek help. Boundaries are not selfish personal agendas.

They are healthy, wise house rules that create an atmosphere of peace, love, and joy. For example, a Christian spouse can lovingly inform the family that, since drunkenness is a sin, no one will be drunk in the house (1 Corinthians 6:10). All members of the family should adhere to these rules, and if the alcoholic refuses, he or she is free to leave.

To be continued...

MICHAEL OPPONG-AMPONSAH