Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27

We often think in terms of sobriety being a free gift. Like grace. It’s there if we are willing to take it.

But willingness always has a price. Check out the whole passage from Luke. Jesus tells it straight. There’s a big cost to follow him. An unbelievable one.

So, yes, sobriety is available. And in some sense it’s free for the taking. But it will be fleeting if we don’t eventually man up and pay with our life.

And I don’t mean to imply that our works can then somehow save us. Clearly that’s not it. By grace we have been saved…not by works so that no one can boast…et cetera.

But if I am to be afflicted with the joy of freedom from that old way of life. If I am to be set loose from the unbreakable chains of addiction. If I believe half of what appears to be true about God…my life ought to change.

Salvation through works is a misnomer. Salvation will cause good works. It will inspire and inform and infect the areas of my life that were so in need of change.

It will not be easy. It will not be free. It will require more of me than I have to give. And this is the part where God makes possible the impossible.

I cannot change without his help. I cannot heal without his provision. I cannot live well without his guidance.

True change costs all of me. Only then will I see what is possible.

I can get sober without help, but it may not last. I may even get right with others without changing much, but it may cost more than I think I’m risking.

God, direct my desires and give me courage to walk with you.