Implementing A Practical Plan for Change

When it comes to the topic of drugs and alcohol and the biblical counseling world, Dr. Mark Shaw has tremendously influenced my understanding of addictions. Dr. Shaw has written many books explaining a biblical understanding of substance abuse and has offered many tips and suggestions for implementing behavioral change that pleases and honors God. [1] In this blog post, I would like to incorporate some of Dr. Shaw’s suggestions for implementing a practical plan for change regarding the life of an addict.

Of course, a plan of action must take into consideration person’s salvation. If a person is not a Christian, then an addict’s behavior cannot completely change in order to please God. Instead of trying to change an unbeliever’s behavior, a biblical counselor’s plan must begin with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If an addict is a Christian, then there is much hope for behavioral change. A Christian’s hope for change comes from the available resources that are only found in Jesus Christ and His Holy Word. Before a Christian changes their behavior, they must first change their thoughts by renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24). And how does a Christian renew their minds?

1. Create and Use a “Think-List.”

In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4:8).

It would behoove anyone, not just an addict, to write out thoughts that are “true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.” This could be done by journaling your thoughts in a notebook, by typing them on a computer, or simply taking a “time-out” during the day in order to think about the blessings of God. Let’s look at each one of these characteristics concerning our thoughts.

First, let us think about things that are true. In other words, think about things that are factual. Ask yourself, is a particular thought true to the facts or am I exaggerating? Is this true concerning God? The bible? His Will for my life?

Second, let us think about things that are honorable. Thoughts that are honorable are biblically “respectable” thoughts. We should always ask: how can I honor God in this situation? Or, how can I make sure He is on the throne and I am not?

Third, let us think about things that right. This does not necessarily refer to thoughts that are true because Paul mentions the word for “true” first. What Paul is referring to are thoughts that are righteous. We must ask ourselves, how can I reflect Christ’s character? Or, as a believer, is this right for my life now, or am I living according to the ways of the world?

Fourth, let us think about things that pure. Paul is referring to clean thoughts. In other words, these thoughts would not be embarrassing if you needed to explain them to someone. Also, these thoughts are in keeping with God’s view of holiness.

Fifth, let us think about things that are lovely. Is there anything that you delight in that is biblically acceptable to God? Your thought life must holy enough that it draws others to Christ rather than driving them away.

Sixth, let us think about things that are commendable. In other words, let us think about things that are attractive. No matter what situation or suffering you are experiencing, you should act in such a way that you attract people to God. If you are attracting people to worldly things, then you are not thinking thoughts that are commendable.

Seventh, think about things that are excellent. Virtue should be a characteristic of every believer in Christ. Let us ask ourselves, am I modeling the character of Christ? Or, am I acknowledging or modeling His holiness, mercy, grace, and love?

Eighth, think about things that are praise worthy. In every situation, we must set a good example for others to follow. We should not set an example regarding good “American” values. This is not praise worthy or admirable. Instead, let our example cause others to praise God, influencing them to worship the Creator rather than the creature.

According to Philippians 4:8-9, a Christian is to do two things concerning this list. First, a Christian is to think about these things. All Christians must give careful thought to these matters. Second, a Christian is to practice these things. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Christians are to bring about or accomplish godliness through these activities.

2. Change thoughts from negative to positive.

Do not always assume the worst about a person. Rather, Christians must think the best thoughts. I know we all know someone who can find a pile of poop in a lily field. Notice what Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:7).

It is better to think of people as “innocent until proven guilty” rather than thinking of them as being “guilty until proven innocent.” If you find yourself in a situation with a lot of negativity, change the topic of conversation. Another biblical option is to have an “attitude of gratitude.” Try to focus on being thankful. Be thankful for God’s gifts and blessings concerning family, friends, your job, church life, and especially for His Word.

Conclusion

When teaching, I like to remind my audience this: “What you believe, you will do. And what you do is a result of what you believe.” In other words, we do not perform our actions in a vacuum. There is a reason why a person does a particular action.

Therefore, when counseling those who are struggling with substance abuse, it is important to examine their thoughts and thought process. In Proverbs 20:5, the author states, “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Thus by God’s grace and Holy Spirit, biblical counselors can help addicts change their behavior by helping them change their thinking in order to please God (2 Cor. 5:9; Eph. 5:10).

[1] For more information, see https://www.graceky.org/about/our-team/mark-shaw/.