Protecting Yourself From Yourself
In the June 2011 edition of Christianity Today magazine there is an article about baseball superstar Josh Hamilton. Hamilton is an outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Growing up, Hamilton was a great athlete. He was taken in the MLB draft and then, got hooked on drugs and almost through his life and career away. Hamilton became a Christian and is a star for the Rangers.
Hamilton is a recovering drug addict. Being such, he knows he is prone to begin using again if he's not careful. So, Hamilton has taken steps to protect himself from himself.
For example, he never carries on penny in his pocket for fear that he would spend it on alcohol or drugs.
He has around him a team of personal assistants whose job is to protect himself from himself.
He has the minibar removed and in room movies turned off before he stays in a hotel room.
He is never completely comfortable in social settings because he is and "will always be an addict - one drink, one snort, one puff away from self-destruction" (cf. Christianity Today; June 2011; p.34.).
Hamilton says of himself "I will never be normal, I'm ok with that."
What I like about this is, Josh Hamilton knows himself... he knows his strengths and his weaknesses. And, he is taking steps to protect himself from himself. He knows his areas of weakness and he doesn't go there. And, he is honest. So many people have issues.. problems... and the sad thing is, pride prevents them from saying "I have a problem." We all have issues.. some perhaps worse than others.. issues are not good but they can be managed or dealt with.. but we have to be honest and that starts with admitting we have a problem.
What do you need to protect yourself from yourself?
If you have a problem... an addiction.. an issue.. admit it. It's not too great for God. God is in the business of taking issues and solving them. Admit the problem, give it to God and be willing to do things God's way.
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