Posted by rayww on September 18, 2006, at 11:03:45
In reply to Re: what is useful, posted by Dr. Bob on September 16, 2006, at 10:08:29
> > WHAT IS USEFUL? Anything that can be used to build appropriate relationships. WHAT IS NOT USEFUL? pornography ...
>
> I think it would be more supportive to stick to what people have found to be useful. Thanks,
>
> Bob
What about murder? I mentioned pornography AND murder. I would venture a guess that most people who commit murder have lost respect for the sanctity of human life through viewing pornography. But of course not all people who view pornography commit murder. The way I see it, mentioning a couple of things that are not useful is useful. Gambling may be another, where you learn to value getting something for nothing. Its antidote would be work. All three of these: pornography, gambling, murder, are like commiting spiritual suicide, and if people can't find their spiritual side, even when they focus on God, it may be because they are trying to walk hand in hand, hanging onto what is not useful with one hand, while holding what is with the other. We all do it, but don't realize it. Part of healing spiritually involves letting go and leaving behind those things that are not useful. They pull you backward, and stall your healing progress. "It don't matter" is a crippling phrase. It does matter.It takes a lot of faith to let go, trusting that God will more than make up the difference. Hanging on doesn't ground you to anything good. God can hold both hands if you want Him to.
Mentally-focus on what is useful by leaving behind what is not
Physically-move
Spiritually-soarOnce you have pulled yourself up and out of your depression as much as you are able, you will be better able to face it for the monster that it is, not complicated by the things that make it worse.
I realize it is hard for you to back down from an opinion dr. bob, but in this case I really think you should.
rayww
poster:rayww
thread:684269
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20060614/msgs/687069.html