Chapter 5

The primary characteristic all addicts share in common is denial. An addict in denial is like a man with his pants on fire standing next to a river. To all others around him it is obvious: the flames, the injuries, the fumes, and the impending stench of death. Others may shout “JUMP IN THE RIVER” to douse the flames. In response to such pleas, the man may take one or more of the following tacks: “why me, why should I put these flames out, who started the fire, I’m angry at pain from the flames, this pain doesn’t hurt anyone but me, don’t tell me what to do…” Clearly, all that is needed to extinguish the fire is to jump in the river, everyone knows this. Everyone sees obvious truth, except the man with his pants on fire.

Anyone who knows about rivers realizes they contain water –which is well known to extinguish flames. How the fire came to be, how immense the flame, whether injuries are yet noticeable, or any other distraction from observable truth (the truth that being on fire will kill you unless you jump in the river to douse the flames) serves only as intentional misdirects. The man whose clothes are on fire may come up with a thousand excuses, none of which matter, or change circumstantial fact.

You will notice several key points in this analogy. First off, the fire represents addiction with all its attendant suffering, and the river represents the Living Water of Jesus, which can put out flames. The man’s refusal to jump in the river symbolizes denial. It is quite fortunate the same health restorative from addiction applies to any situation; therefore, it is simple.

Simple should by no means be confused with easy. What is simple may not be easy at all. The Moral Law (which is placed in each of us), for example, is hard as nails. The gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is simple and free, but discipleship will cost everything. Make no mistake; if you seek to flee addictive lifestyles, you are in for the fight of your life.

Renouncing an attitude of denial, recognizing wrongs, and looking to Jesus for help is the only way out. This is the first step in glorious deliverance from our human condition.