So why do I say formulas are insufficient? Millions of people have lost weight, recovered, stayed sober, improved their lives and helped others using various techniques and programs. I'm not saying these avenues are ineffective, but they are insufficient. Here's why I believe this:
- The source of power is insufficient. Formula's rely on some form of motivation to succeed. Some focus on group encouragement, some on personal willpower, others on appealing to a different lust. A formula's power to change your life, whether it's internal or external, relies on a human or group of humans. But for the believer, the power comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a power that will never leave us nor forsake us. The Holy Spirit knows what we need and has to power to provide us with help at any time, in any situation, and to overcome any obstacle.
- Formula's can't deal with the heart issues. Formula's work like this: Something + action = result. They are a series of steps that typically lead to a goal or result. The problem is that formula's only work when they are consistently applied, they work by creating behavior patterns that limit and avoid temptation and opportunity. But formula's can't change the heart, only the new creation brought about by faith in Jesus Christ can change the heart. (This blog is for believers) Lasting change, with eternal, spiritual value can't be created through formulas, good works, or self discipline.
- Formula's are one size fits all. Sometimes formula's work, sometimes they don't, people are unique. We each live in different environments, have different motivations and different challenges. We are all subject to the same types of temptations and lusts but in different ways. Satan works on us individually, probing for weaknesses, we need help that is able to work with us individually and hold us accountable. Only God has the knowledge, power and love to take on this task and to enable us to overcome.
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