Destructive Behavioiurs

What makes any behaviour destructive?  It’s not just things like drugs and alcohol that many assume, although substance abuse clearly does also lead to many destructive behaviours.

The truth is that whenever we seek to sort out problems or avoid our feelings with anything other than the comfort and healing of God, we only create a path for continued suffering.  God knows what we need in every area of our life and He promises to take care of us if we will come to Him first and let Him work out His will in each situation. 

Listen to me, my children!  Be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path. Don’t be a heavy drinker or stuff yourself with food. It will make you feel drowsy, and you will end up poor with only rags to wear. Give up trying so hard to get rich. Your money flies away before you know it, just like an eagle suddenly taking off. Proverbs 23:19-21 

So, clearly things like food, substances, and money – one or more of which most of the world turns to in times of crisis -- are clearly not God’s answer for us.  Here’s God dependable plan in those moments for us so we live constructively rather than destructively.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Jesus said: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 13:6, Matthew 11:28

God can give us solutions to problems directly through things He puts on our heart, through things He says to us when we read His Word, and through the wise counsel of others.  If we are slipping into destructive attitudes and behaviours God is willing to show us our heart, and even bring others alongside who can support us as we made necessary adjustments.

Heavenly Father, We know there are so many things in life that we don’t understand and don’t know how to sort out on our own.  Help us to listen to the voice of Your Holy Spirit today that exposes ways we are drifting into self-centered thinking and behaving that so quickly becomes destructive to our own well-being and to our relating with Your heart and perspective in our relationships.  Give us the strength not to run from the truth, even if it is painful, but rather to reach out to you for the comfort and healing we need.  Amen

As we choose to support and encourage one another, we will all be strengthened to move forward and build good things together rather and doing things that are destructive.  Let’s live in that community of love and blessing today.