how does a born-again christian lose compulsive behavior?

[Nanimose]

If you're a christian and you sin, are you really born again? Is it all your will power you use to quit compulsive habits? And why am I having problems living a healthy, honest, good life? Also, please explain the adversary, and if there is a resistance against good or if christians are even attacked by any force whatsoever from an 'evil' side. Thanks for your time, but one other thing before I go, how do I not become a slave to money and use it to sustain? I agree with what Jesus/Immanuel says about (no exact reference) giving the government/rulers what belongs to them and giving to God what is God's, What does this mean and how do I incorporate it into my life? Thanks Again, Robert

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

If you're a christian and you sin, are you really born again? Is it all your will power you use to quit compulsive habits? And why am I having problems living a healthy, honest, good life? Also, please explain the adversary, and if there is a resistance against good or if christians are even attacked by any force whatsoever from an 'evil' side. Thanks for your time, but one other thing before I go, how do I not become a slave to money and use it to sustain? I agree with what Jesus/Immanuel says about (no exact reference) giving the government/rulers what belongs to them and giving to God what is God's, What does this mean and how do I incorporate it into my life? Thanks Again, Robert

Wow! So many questions! First off, let me ask you to pray for me also in this. I deal with compulsions as I have struggles with OCD. Maybe that is your struggle also. If so, have no shame in admitting it. You will find friends and love here on TWeb.

Can you sin and be a Christian? Well I should hope so or no one on here is going to make it! All of us on TWeb that are believers still struggle with sin in some ways, even those of us that help run this site. 1 John 2:1 says that if we do sin, we have an advocate with the Father.

What 1 John 3 is condemning is a lifestyle identified with sin. When you are constantly in a state of sin, then chances are, you are not his. The fact that you show concern over it though, shows assuredness of your salvation though. If you were lost, you would not care.

As for Satan, I think we can make two mistakes. We can either deny the existence of him or demons, or see them behind every bush, they will be happy for any such error. I recommend C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters."

And as for money, I'd say you try to budget if you can. I'll admit I'm having a difficult time with this now. If you need to, get a friend who is good with finances. Dave Ramsey also leads Financial Peace Seminars that can be quite helpful.

Hope this helps!

[Nanimose]

Just thought I'd let it be known that I'm a heavy substance user (marijuana, alcohol and tobacco) and I experience multiple personalities as well as impulse control disorders, to be truthful I'm an incarnate of a dictionary for psychological terms. All in my own opinion of course. Psychology is still a study so no psychologists can accurately tell me, or anyone on the other hand, what is actually happening. I believe in Christ, but this fluctuates, my inner conflict right now is Christian Vs. Scientology and I don't think they contradict each other, it's just there's a lot of unproven highly imaginative thoughts in the world of science today but they do not represent science cause what is said and who says it does own science, only God (if I were to say it belonged). Only the Facts matter. Just thought I'd give a little explaining of where my thread and it's author is coming from. Thanks again

[kyrie]

It happens over time, currently I just stopped cussing. I was a bad cusser.I now watch what words I use going back to the bible, Let all manner of communication....etc. I currently am a smoker. But I am waiting for God to help me. 1st I stopped drinking. 10+ yrs ago. He takes his time sometimes. I have changed ALOT over the past 9 months.

[Nanimose]

"who says it does own science, only God (if I were to say it belonged). "

I meant to say christianity vs scientology, and no one owns sciences. Sorry for the typos.

[BornAgainGirl]

Just thought I'd let it be known that I'm a heavy substance user (marijuana, alcohol and tobacco) and I experience multiple personalities as well as impulse control disorders, to be truthful I'm an incarnate of a dictionary for psychological terms. All in my own opinion of course. Psychology is still a study so no psychologists can accurately tell me, or anyone on the other hand, what is actually happening. I believe in Christ, but this fluctuates, my inner conflict right now is Christian Vs. Scientology and I don't think they contradict each other, it's just there's a lot of unproven highly imaginative thoughts in the world of science today but they do not represent science cause what is said and who says it does own science, only God (if I were to say it belonged). Only the Facts matter. Just thought I'd give a little explaining of where my thread and it's author is coming from. Thanks again
I believe that people who experience personality disorders or other disorders(bi-polar, ocd, adhd) actually have a chemical imbalance and you need medication.

[{Undersecretary of Internal Affairs}]

I believe that people who experience personality disorders or other disorders(bi-polar, ocd, adhd) actually have a chemical imbalance and you need medication.
:yeahthat:

Whether or not you need medication depends on the severity - I was on medication for some time for depression and anxiety, but I have learned to deal with them without the medication and I no longer need it. However, I do strongly recommend seeing a mental health doctor if you aren't already. Preferably a Christian one, if you can find one.

[Nanimose]

thanks, my problems are not that big, if someone told me that it's all my own will power then I'll accept that and move on, I was just curious as to whether or not there was something that had to do with my beliefs going on here. I heard of the adversary my whole life but I do not know how he works and no one seems to be able to tell me. I've heard demons are all around us dropping thoughts into our heads, but that's hardly believable, is he heard about for our knowledge or does he have a part in our lives? this I cannot figure out. For those that are curious I've seen and talked to a few therapists and people in the field of psychology already, and I've been prescribed medication, there's nothing to hide about me and all judgments welcomed.

[3l1zha]

If you're a christian and you sin, are you really born again? Is it all your will power you use to quit compulsive habits? And why am I having problems living a healthy, honest, good life? Also, please explain the adversary, and if there is a resistance against good or if christians are even attacked by any force whatsoever from an 'evil' side. Thanks for your time, but one other thing before I go, how do I not become a slave to money and use it to sustain? I agree with what Jesus/Immanuel says about (no exact reference) giving the government/rulers what belongs to them and giving to God what is God's, What does this mean and how do I incorporate it into my life? Thanks Again, Robert

ApologiaNick is right by saying Christians can sin. The best way to explain it (for me) is that we are used to one way of living, and unfortunately it isn't the Godly way. We are creatures of habit, so even as Christians, we will fall back into our old ways.

As for the adversary, the mistake a lot of people make is that they think he is God's equal - omniscient, ominpresent and omnipotent i.e. all knowing, present everywhere and all powerful. The Bible tells us in the Book of Job (chapter 1), Satan has to get permission from God to 'attack' us, it's a bit hard to understand why God would allow Satan to attack us, but it is through trials that we develop a Godly character.

Lastly, Matthew 22:21: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This is a question of paying taxes and tithes. From your income you should not withhold paying your taxes, and also you should pay your tithe to God (10% of your income).

[BornAgainGirl]

:yeahthat:

Whether or not you need medication depends on the severity - I was on medication for some time for depression and anxiety, but I have learned to deal with them without the medication and I no longer need it. However, I do strongly recommend seeing a mental health doctor if you aren't already. Preferably a Christian one, if you can find one.



I agree Tim... it does depend on the severity. Of course, the more severe the more I believe medication could help. In my twenties I was told to take lithium for bi polar disorder but I found that it was directly related to my eating and sleeping habits. As long as I was eating right and getting enough sleep, I did fine without medication. I really couldn't take the medication anyway because it made me lethargic, this was back in the late 80's and I am sure the meds are much better now.

Connecting with GOD everyday, eating right and sleeping at least 7 hours a night is all the medication I need, but others need to start with prescription to get it under control. Then wean themselves off it as the figure out what is out of balance.


Peace ALL ... Love GOD first :)

[LV4HM]

Hi, Robert.

I, too, have come here to learn, and am by no means an expert in any of this, but I do have some thoughts on the matter.

Not knowing a lot about Scientology, I can't profess to know the ins and outs of it, but I sense that there must be some serious, intrinsic differences between this belief system and Christianity. I base that on the character of the some of the celebrities who are strong adherents to Scientology, (we all know who they are,) and the many scandals concerning the controlling nature of this organization. From the testimony of people who have left its grip, Scientology is a belief system that does not easily let its people go. It seems more like a cult to me, but as I said, I'm no expert. I would, however, think twice before choosing to adhere to a belief structure that controls you instead of setting you free.

Christianity in its purest form would reflect the nature of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life that we might be free from the clutches of sin, and have access to life changing power through His Holy Spirit. When a person truly makes a decision for Christ, that Spirit indwells him, giving him the ability to resist sin in a way he never could before. It is the person's CHOICE, and the very non-controlling nature of Christ, that allows us to continue to sin. We can choose to cling to the Lord and allow His power to change us, or we can expect Him to just do it for us and omit the sanctification process.

The key word here is CHOICE. Many people think Chrisitanity is controlling and intrusive. In actuality, it's the only belief system I know of that truly permits freedom of choice. From the moment a person entrusts his/her life to Christ, he has the ability to choose another path. Most who truly choose to follow the Lord also choose to continue on that path, because they quickly see the difference. When someone tells me that they don't see the difference, I question how deep the commitment they made was in the first place. I don't mean this to sound judgmental, but it seems you are going back and forth with which way to turn, and that might be part of the problem. Also, on the other hand, there are factions which imply that you can think or believe whatever you choose and still get to heaven if you lead a "good" life. (By who's standards?) The very abstractness of those claims disputes the absolutes in the bible, and is in direct confrontation with biblical Christianity. Yes, there is an evil side, and its best tactic is to create lukewarm hearts with no dense of direction.

It boils down to decision. If you don't vacillate, and stand by your decision to allow Jesus Christ to rule in your life, many of the problems you've been having will begin to melt away. If you simply "try" Christianity for a little while, hoping for a quick fix, I doubt you'll experience the power of God in your life.

As for the compulsions, I agree that you should continue to seek a CHRISTIAN doctor, because otherwise, you might be exposing yourself to the wrong side of the spiritual coin in areas which are vastly deep and dangerous. With the focus on Christ, and proper care, you should begin to see the improvements you're looking for. It takes time, though, and learning to be patient with yourself. Try to strike a balance between seeking holiness and not bludgeoning yourself spiritually! LOL!

I will pray for you. I know from personal experience with depression that it's not an easy road, but I also know that it's a lot more painful without Jesus.

As for the finances...I'll wisely leave that to someone else! :lol:

[mikey123]

If you're a christian and you sin, are you really born again? Is it all your will power you use to quit compulsive habits? And why am I having problems living a healthy, honest, good life? Also, please explain the adversary, and if there is a resistance against good or if christians are even attacked by any force whatsoever from an 'evil' side. Thanks for your time, but one other thing before I go, how do I not become a slave to money and use it to sustain? I agree with what Jesus/Immanuel says about (no exact reference) giving the government/rulers what belongs to them and giving to God what is God's, What does this mean and how do I incorporate it into my life? Thanks Again, Robert

Dear R ...I have been a Christian for 30 years, and i have been a member of AA for 18 years...I am clean and sober because of surrender to my Higher Power, whom i understand, for me to be Jesus. To give an opinion to your first question, about being born -again and sin....Yes you can have sin in your life and be born again, now i am sure this is not a popular thought.....and i am sure many disagree with it and even have the standard bible verses to back them up as well...however i am reminded that Paul suffered under the same mind when he said "the things that i want to do ...i cannot and the things i don't want to do , i do...So He even understood that it is not about being perfect, it is about the growing process, surrendering to God the things that we struggle with...How do you do that? ...For each of us the way is different..You will find your way as you travel in your Christian experience...Remember Jesus did not come into this world to make us happy...He came to make us Holy. The adversary.....Yes there really is a adversary ...the Bible speaks clearly about that....However i think that in today's North American society....we seek to blame others and not to take responsibility for our behaviour...James,(i think), speaks toward this when he says we are dragged into sin by our own evil desires....Let's not give satan to much credit ...or to much power...Let's remember our own evil ways.. A comic strip character by the name of "Pogo" once said ...We have seen the enemy and it is we"...The last part about rendering unto Ceasar....God's righteousness ...and wisdom has a moral content and character to it...For God has a moral character...As his created, we respond to Himin moral character...or let's say ...our action of love to God and others is of a moral nature (or God's) if God dwells in us...Without a moral compass, our society would fall into total anarchy and chaos... Anything including "the Love of"...money is really about idol worship...money is not evil ...it is the love of money or things or self, anything that would take your heart away from your first love ...God as He expresses Himself in Christ Jesus....Just to let you know in case you were wondering....The New Testament never gives a 10% rule about tithing to the church ....the rule is respond as God lays it upon your heart....Many times the 10% thith is used with 100% guilt...not love ...Hope that my opinion helps to give clearity to some of your stuff...I never like to give advice ...and i don't ...I just wanted to encourage you about your walk ...Yes you are a Christian ...Yes you will sin....Yes you are forgiven....and yes you play a part in your life ....respond to God ....mikey123