John
3:6-7 That
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
The brain you use to
read this is made up of 100 billion neurons, the same number of stars in the
galaxy. Language and data are contained in the outer part of the brain. That’s
the part of the brain you are using now.
Research shows that
basic human functions of love and attachment occur within the inner areas of
the brain. That is by God’s design, so that a baby can emotionally attach to
parents before he/she is even able to say a single word. Our base emotional
processes and attachments need no language skills.
What this means is
that information alone cannot do anything at all to change those base-layer
emotional parts of a person. This inner part of the brain is wired or re-wired
experientially, not through information or education. You cannot learn your way
out of addiction.
This explains why a
client seems to be doing well, then one day falls off the wagon and back into
using. They can do and say everything
appropriate for a recovering addict but then allows events and conditions to
arise that undo the success and progress. Fifth century monks exchanged living
in society for life in caves deep in the desert wilderness in order to flee
from sin. They found that sin followed them because it exists within.
The way into the
person’s inner mind is through relationship not information. Building a loving,
accountability focused, grace and mercy filled program will enable meaningful
connection with addicts. We need to earn
our way into their innermost heart or mind. Clients must make the decision
willingly to let us in. Then time is needed for new relationships to replace
the bad experiences and habits that had kept them in bondage.
This reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in
bringing the lost to saving faith in Christ. It is a rebirth that entails the
transformation of our minds.
