A downward progression starts as a sin with few consequences develops into a sin with painful consequences. Scripture explains this progression and uses several metaphors and principles in doing so. There are differences between the early and later stages of certain sins.
Some examples:
- Lies and broken promises take their toll on relationships.
- The addictive substance feels more like a family member and friend and it is hard to imaging life without it.
- The addictive behavior serves more and more purposes as it is practiced. At first, a purpose for drinking was to be accepted by one’s peers. Later, alcohol was used for comfort, release of pain, punishing a parent of spouse, punishing oneself, and dozens of other reasons. The more purposes that are attached to the addictive behavior, the more the addiction will seem identical to life itself.
- The body gradually feels sick, malnourished and craves more.
- Hopelessness and guilt feel like they can only be banished by the next indulgence.
- We begin to believe our lies. What started as lying to others has turned against us. We tried to keep other people from seeing our private addictions; now we can barely see them ourselves. We once tried to persuade others that we didn’t have a problem; now we have persuaded ourselves that we don’t have a problem. When we are blind to our own problem, there is no reason to change. (Welch, 38)
To summarize; "practiced, repeated sin results in slavery, a multitude of painful consequences and God abandoning people to their own desires so they are always left wanting one more. Such a profile can only be described as a great tragedy"(Welch, 39). But there is hope; that is what "A Lighthouse With Healthcare Solutions is all about.