The Sober Truth

I recently saw a news program on a book called The Sober Truth. The main focus of the program was on the fact that AA and programs like it only have about a 1 in 15 success rate - and why hardly anybody knows about this dismal failure. I formerly worked in the field of psychology as a “behavioral specialist” with emphasis on youth. Having worked in areas ranging from “tough love” programs like Boy’s Ranch to assistance programs like Crossroad’s youth crisis centers I can vouch from firsthand experience for facts the program presented on the failure rates of secular programs.

As to why the high failure rate is so unknown I would point to two factors - one spiritual and one secular. First, Satan loves human weakness and failure and will always try to prevent people overcoming their weaknesses; and, if he can he will always direct them to a path that ensures his victory and not theirs. I have written on this before concerning AA. Folks should always remember that satan too is a higher power; but, YHWH our Creator is the highest power. The more people count on AA type programs instead of on YHWH the happier satan is. Satan is AA’s biggest supporter. Second, AA and programs like it are a huge financial boon to many industries. Many of these industries are built around, and dependent on, court enforced treatment centers. The focus is on getting your money - not getting you better.

          So don’t count on AA and the like from going away any time soon. They have the support of satan, the backing of big money, and often the unconstitutional use of government force behind them. Don’t count on those programs doing you any lasting good either. If you need help try finding someone who will hit their knees in prayer with you instead of someone who wants to hit your wallet. This includes so called “christian based” programs that still want your money, your insurance, or your information for a government subsidy.

Jesus warned us that discipleship will cost us; but, the love of YHWH does not come with a financial price tag and you can’t have an insurance company or a government pay the cost for you. Repent, love, honor, and obey.

True Christian Diet

There is an old saying that says, “You are what you eat” (See Note¹). In general this means that if you eat healthier you will be healthier. I have travelled to over 40 different countries and few have the hang-ups that plague the food culture of the USA. We label everything - by forced government mandate no less - with warnings that keep the lawyers busy and calorie counters desperate. All to no avail it appears because people will “always” eat either what they like best or what they can afford. I qualify the “always” in the last sentence because Uncle Satan, uh . . Sam, is trying very hard lately to encroach on yet one more freedom by telling us what we must eat!

Sadly, many “churches” have become little more than a means for the spiritual sanction of a nanny welfare state led by a secular environment more concerned with saving an “endangered species” than saving a soul. Too many would rather share a smile with a sodomite rather than risk a frown (or worse) for witnessing about Christ. Coming soon to a church near you this Passover: a Eucharist with a grape juice that is alcohol free, certified organic, non-genetically modified, fair trade practice, FDA and AHA approved, and sugar free; and, a wafer that is made from quinoa (wheat gluten is out) that is certified organic, non-genetically modified, fair trade practice, FDA and AHA approved, and sugar free. Both blessed by the Feds.

Alas, I digress. What do you feed on in your spiritual diet? Do you even have a spiritual diet? Do you primarily feed on the processed food shelled out by others or do you actually go for the raw organic stuff straight from the Word? Does your source teach, preach, and practice what the Word says or is there a faint aroma of a biased agenda from the bureaucracy of a state approved, man-made “church”.

Just as you cannot blame your poor health on a doctor if you have lousy eating practices you cannot blame your poor spiritual health on someone else either. It is up to you to know if you are feeding your soul on junk food or the latest food craze from the “experts”.

When Jesus comes again it will be too late to change your diet:

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven — only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did not we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?' Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!

(Matthew 7:21-23)

See Note^{1 --} In an essay titled Concerning Spiritualism and Materialism, 1863/4, Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach wrote: "Der Mensch ist, was er ißt", which in English translates as 'man is what he eats'.