The Survival Trap
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(Psst. Volume 2 of The Destiny Series releases August 29, DESTINY DELIVERED)
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I CONFESS!
One of my greatest satisfactions comes when I lie face down on a padded table and let Jay Janolo walk all over me. I love Ashiatsu massage Link. It’s a good pain. Helps keep me stay flexible.
SOME of my friends have a different idea of pleasure: a venti, skinny, half sugar-free hazelnut, half sugar-free vanilla, no-whip, iced coffee with a shot of espresso. Daily. They have a taste for coffee I’ve never acquired and have no desire to acquire.
ANOTHER of my close friend’s finds joy in exercise. I’m not talking about a morning jog or thirty minutes of pumping iron. I mean an hour swim followed by 20-mile bike as a warm up to a 10-mile run. Whatever revs your engine, right?
What brings you satisfaction and pleasure?
Are you one to crave downtime in front of the screen? NEVER miss a single episode of Duck Dynasty. (While you watch the show, I’ll be on the massage table. o_o)
THE above examples represent simple, earthly comforts. Or are they more?
IF I dig deeper (emotionally) into my western-world rituals that supply my comforts, might I run into . . . an addiction? GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN! Comforts are not addictions.
But wait? Could my lifestyle be merely a reflection of the condition of my heart? And I don’t mean the blood- pumping organ.
I recently challenged myself to take a deeper look and find out if I suffer . . .
THE SPIRITUAL STOCKHOLM SYNDROME
Stockholm syndrome: an emotional attachment to a captor formed by a hostage as a result of continuous stress, dependence, and a need to cooperate for survival
“Everything is permissible/allowable for me; but not all things are good for me to do, or profitable when considered with other things. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.” I Corinthians 6:12
Continual stress? Well, yeah, I experience some stress. Maybe.
Slave . . . Hostage?
Brought under power . . . Cooperate for survival?
ALTHOUGH earthly pleasures are not evil in themselves, do I go after them to fulfill my emotional needs?
Spiritual Stockholm Syndrome: Elevating worldly things as my source of fulfillment and hope. (1 John 2:15-17)
Hmm. Makes me re-think a few pleasures, or at least examine my heart’s motivation.
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” Link
Leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
The Way of the Embattled Spirit
