The Biblical Prescription

for Change

Wins!

 

 

Are there happenings in your life that always make you smile?  For me, it is when I read about learned people spending a significant amount of time and money researching an issue only to prove what is clearly stated in the Bible.  And, then the announcement is brought with such fanfare and flourish as if the findings represent knowledge only uncovered because of the herculean efforts of the individual scholars.  Reading the ostentatious declarations always makes me laugh.  Here is an example. 

After 35 studies, involving the work of 145 scientists and the outcomes of 10,080 participants, Keith Humphreys, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Stanford School of Medicine and his fellow investigators from Harvard Medical School and the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction determined that AA and similar programs (like Celebrate Recovery) were nearly always found to be the most effective method for achieving change.  The study results will be published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review.  "Cochrane Reviews are the gold standard in medicine for the integration of all the research about a particular intervention," Humphreys said. "We wanted to do this work through Cochrane because of its rigor and reputation."

 

Yes, these knowledgeable academics found that a program that is based on Biblical standards is the most effective path to personal change. AA grew out of the Oxford Group, a Christian-based self-help group. It was suggested, to the founder Bill Wilson, he pays more attention to the scientific aspects rather than the Christian elements of change. Even Dr. Humphreys said he initially dismissed a method founded in Christian principles. His thinking, "How dare these people do things that I have all these degrees to do?" Thank goodness, Mr. Wilson did not listen to the professionals.

 Dr. Humphreys found that these programs work because they are based on social interaction. Humphreys notes that members give one another emotional support. "If you want to change your behavior, find some other people who are trying to make the same change," he said.

Amazing how similar this is to the advice found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 

Celebrate Recovery builds on Mr. Wilson's methods while staying true to the values and principles of the Bible. At CR, you will find friends who are working through their struggles.  We call them our hurts, hang-ups, and harmful habits.  Friends who will meet you where you are and share your path to change.

Hopefully, when you read this, we will be meeting again on Tuesday night.  Looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday! 

 If you’d like to learn more about C/R, we’d love to talk with you.  

   Dennis Gowin 434-808-2426 or Cheryl Gowin 434-808-2637