The following is a brief synopsis from Jay Adams regarding how we may be sure, Biblically, that a believer cannot be possessed (or "oppressed") by a demon. Note: while I do not completely agree with Dr. Adams' amillennial views, including the teaching that Satan is currently bound and therefore demonic activity during the Church era is non-existent, he is certainly correct in that addictions and life-dominating sins are not due to such possession. I have counseled many women who actually believe they are inhabited by "demonic forces" compelling them to starve/purge/cut, but this is nothing more than an esoteric dodge of personal responsibility.
Yes, Satan is ultimately at the root of all sin; and eating disorders are certainly sins of both thought and behavior. However, demon possession in the Gospels was a malady - Christ cast them out as a ministry of mercy. Where sin was involved, He called men and women to repent. His answer to habitual or besetting sin is the same now as it was during His earthly ministry. There is absolutely no Scriptural warrant for attributing addictions or strongholds of sin to demonic forces.
"There is no Biblical reason to think that demonic possession (or oppression) can occur in the life of a Christian. The simultaneous presence of the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within every true child of God, and an "unclean spirit" is impossible. This is clear from the utter antithesis of the two noted in Mark 3:20-30.....I have seen incompetence in counseling excused by resorting to the diagnosis of possession by demons, sometimes with very damaging effects. If, for example, one's problems are the result of his own sinful behavior, and they are instead charged to possession by an evil spirit, those problems may be complicated rather than solved by efforts to cast out a demon. Not only will such efforts fail, leading often to hopelessness and despair, but they will shift the focus from the counselee's own responsibility. He will be viewed as a helpless victim rather than a guilty sinner. The results are likely only to confirm him in his sinful life patterns, and the frustrations of counselors who are reduced to fruitless prayer and pity are likely to encourage deeper depression and even despair." (Jay Adams, "The Big Umbrella", currently out of print)
While I do believe demons still hold an active influence over this world, tempt believers to sin and believe lies, and can inhabit non-Christians, they cannot compel anyone to start or stay stuck in an addiction (despite what Nancy Alcorn claims). If we follow the Biblical model, we have to take responsibility for our own behavior before God - and stop giving the enemy so much credit.
"Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction" is the best resource for Christians with addictions (including eating disorders) I've seen yet. Written by Ed Welch, who holds a PhD in counseling psychology and serves as counselor, faculty member, and director of the School of Biblical Counseling at CCEF, "Crossroads" is a 10-part study guide rooted in his earlier book "Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave" (see link to the lower right on this blog).
What makes this book so good is that is speaks directly and yet compassionately to the heart of life-dominating sin. I have read many books dealing with the issue of habitual sin or behavioral addictions from a biblical perspective, but none which cut to the heart of the matter as effectively as "Crossroads". While unflinchingly unmasking the lies and sin inherent in addiction, Welch avoids spiritual-sounding cliches, polysyllabic "Christianeze" terms, and endless lists of verses to look up and memorize.
Are You Still in the Pit? Look Up!
Since "Crossroads" is geared towards individuals still controlled by their respective vices, such exercises would probably scare the reader away rather than help them. (The average bulimic, with wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels, does not have the attention span to complete a lengthy homework assignment anyway). One residential treatment center director recently wrote me: "...when the body is going through that much stress medically most young women's brains are not functioning very adeptly. A lot of the thinking and processing required to fight sin and build new lifestyles are beyond what an anorexic is capable of doing." This book is a valuable first step to help the desperate anorexic or bulimic get to where she IS functioning at peak capacity, and can do the hard work of biblical change. It is assumed that the reader is at the critical or crisis stage, still living as a slave to sin, and looking for hope.
Welch gives that hope effectively, and shows the wanderer how to come home - step by step.
Realizing that you are double-minded is one of the first steps to repenting of an addiction. If something about your drug of choice were not attractive, you would not have chosen it. Welch describes this tension in the addict's heart:
"On one side, you feel powerless. Your world feels out of control, and you are sick of it. On the other side, you think that your addiction helps you manage your life so you have more control. That's why you hate it and you love it. You hate it and you need it. Your addiction is not the friend it once was because it has messed up your life."
This is a man who gets it. He empathizes with the inner torment a bulimic (for example) feels, but he does not coddle the sin. He does not minimize, nor allow the reader to stay stuck in despair or self-pity. He takes you straight to biblical principles which force you, the addict, to make a choice - which kingdom has your allegiance?
Welch immediately unveils the compelling attractiveness of God - "the only One more beautiful than your addiction" - while exposing the Christian addict's paradoxical relationship with Christ: "You know you need him, but you don't necessarily want him - at least not on his terms, which is total surrender." Rather than just prescribing the pat (yet accurate) answer, "repent and pray more", Welch acknowledges how difficult and awkward it is for the addict to talk to God, and coaches her* through it. Discussing the importance of bringing sin out into the light, which the Word does by exposing hidden motives, he notes that the reader's interest in the Bible will be a gauge measuring her desire for change.
Welch emphasizes God's infinite patience with the repentant believer, citing Romans 2:4 early on: "Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" This is a key life verse for any of you who know the pain of trying to break free from bulimia and failing, again and again. Through the first 4 of 10 steps (I would have preferred he call them "stages", to avoid the connotation with the unbiblical 12-Step programs), Welch takes the reader through the "folly" of addiction; exposes it as idolatry that has mastered the reader by tracing her descent from life before the addiction; notes that the reader has chosen independence from God by her choices; and examines God's gracious response.
He forces the question: how does God speak to the purposes your addiction serves in your life? This is an extremely crucial point in repenting of bulimia or other food-related bondage. Until you submit to God's sanctioned means of responding to pain, disappointment and fear of man, your default mode will always be to turn to the food. The probing, penetrating questions Welch gives under each step's "Take Action" section are designed to help you see your sin through God's eyes, and renew your mind with His Word.
There is a fine line between gentleness and compassion, and sympathizing to the extent that you tolerate or even rationalize sin. Ed Welch never crosses that line.
The Lies We Tell and the Truth of God
In Step 4: Go Public, Welch identified 8 different types of lies addicts tell to cover up their sin, as well as lies they believe about God. "God doesn't care about one binge...it's not like I am killing anyone." (Does that one sound familiar at all?) Tracing this defense mechanism back to Genesis 3, he shows how speaking and believing lies not only displays loyalties to Satan, but leads to the "voluntary slavery" of addiction. Once this is established, the groundwork is laid for confession to God (which Welch describes as feeling "like a cool shower after working all day in 100-degree heat"), and repentance - turning away from darkness and the false kingdom to Jesus and the true kingdom.
From emphasizing the trustworthiness of God, Welch then moves seamlessly to a fuller exposition on the attributes of God in Step 5: Know THE God. The addict's ultimate goal is to be transformed into the image of Christ. Since this is only possible if one knows Christ AS HE IS, Welch builds the case that knowing the Person of God is key to victory over addiction. He rightly identifies addictions as idolatry, and encourages the reader that God wants to free her of these idols in His great love and holiness.
God is Not Ticked Off
Step 6: Follow Jesus marks the second half of "Crossroads" and Welch starts to get into some theology - without overwhelming the reader. A right concept of God is crucial to sound doctrine, which, in turn, determines whether changes made will be either biblical or lasting. He opens the chapter with this rhetorical question:
"Have you ever thought that Jesus is good, the Father is ticked off, and the Spirit is a thing - an impersonal force?"
It's okay to admit it. I used to think that way, too. I was a bit surprised to see that impression so succinctly articulated, but Welch then goes on to explain both the mysteries of the Trinity and the Atonement - and why the addict's tendency to minimize sin is so toxic. Welch doesn't just "go there", he camps out there. He owns real estate there. He calls food binges (and related addictions) "expressions of false worship and misplaced loyalties". The only thing I don't like about that sentence is that I didn't think of it first.
Bulimic sister, you need to repent. God gives you hope, grace, and provides strength. Ed Welch is happy to help spell out the implications of your freedom and how to "let the cross have the final word" in this convicting chapter.
Step 7: Have a Plan lays out proactive means the reader must take if she is truly serious about leaving the addiction behind, and Welch highlights the importance of getting your thoughts under control (see 2 Cor. 10:5, although he didn't cite it). As Jay Adams has noted, often people will seek counseling for a life-dominating problem, but when asked what they have done about it, they will simply respond "I prayed". Prayer is a crucial first step and remains "your most powerful weapon", but Welch points out that practical changes in behavior are necessary. I would suggest that such a strategy as he suggests for a repenting bulimic would include avoiding driving to doughnut shops; grocery shopping with another person; refusing to have junk food and "binge foods" in the house. Accountability by including people in your plan - avoiding privacy - is another weapon Welch advises.
Moving Forward in Love
The final two steps of repentance Welch outlines include loving others and restoring relationships where you have hurt people (biblical confrontation and forgiveness is a critical part of restoration), and responding well when you err. While meaningful repentance will always preclude a true "relapse", a temporary slip back into your old ways need not spell total failure. Welch is realistic about the ongoing reality of sin and the spiritual battle a Christian must face. This is true all the more of one repenting from an addiction - how will you respond the next time you seek comfort in Krispy Kremes instead of fellowship with God? "Failing well" eliminates despair as an option. Welch warns the reader against blaming God (see James 1:13-15); reminding her that everything she does is either leading her from Him or toward Him.
In a thorough section on confession and knowing you are forgiven, Welch explains the danger of interpreting guilt (over failure) to mean, "God is mad at me". This is an important point, and I have never known a bulimic woman who didn't think God was angry and/or disgusted at her. My jaw actually dropped at how accurately Welch described the thought process and proclivity towards self-punishment typical of eating-disordered Christians:
"You impose your own punishment; you stay out of his hair and go to bed without your supper. You decide you'd better not talk to him until you have figured out some way to get your life back on track."
"Was this man reading my diary?" you're thinking.
Welch then goes on to show the folly of this thinking: it leads right back to the path of "pursuing your own kingdom". The subtlety of this lie is one ALL bulimics (and other addicts) need to spot and renounce, long after they have stopped the actual behavior. He spends the remainder of the chapter re-cultivating hope, refining the plan developed in chapter 7, and defining where Jesus is in it. What makes this chapter so helpful is the fact that Welch doesn't pretend that once the addict sees some success in abstaining from the behavior or enjoys a measure of spiritual victory that life is suddenly blue shies and fluffy clouds. Pious-sounding platitudes are notably absent from Welch's writing, as is the idealistic formula of self-help books. While he states from the outset that Christ is the answer and the addict's goal is to live to glorify God, Welch never diminishes the reality of ongoing sin in the believer's life. We're in a battle; and we need a plan - turning quickly to Jesus while feeding on Scripture is a long-term strategy; not a quick fix.
In Step 10: Welcome to the Banquet, we see the object of our hope: the joy that is found in Jesus. By this time, the reader should be able to see fruit that her addictive behavior is giving way to seeking Jesus, and she should be convinced that the battle is worth it. Welch highlights "crossroads" of key Scriptural passages; examples of when God's people had to choose to seek Him in the midst of the desert of exile. He relates this to Christ's temptation in the wilderness, and that His "passing the test" on our behalf enables us to follow Him. He concludes with exhortations to fight temptation by expecting it, maintaining hope, countering it with the Word, and praying continuously - good advice for ALL believers; not only those who happen to be struggling with addictions.
Designed for use in either a small group, one-on-one counseling, or on one's own, "Crossroads" is truly a superb, helpful guide towards biblical repentance from an eating disorder. In addition, Welch himself suggests in the study that you seek counsel from a mature fellow believer - a practice I would always recommend for anyone in the grips of an eating disorder. The shame and secrecy surrounding bulimia, in particular, make it a difficult sin to confess; but the guidance, prayer and accountability another Christian can offer increases your odds of success in walking away from this addiction. (See NANC directory at right for a list of certified nouthetic counselors - plug in your zip code to find one in your area).
The only caveat I would offer about this book is that in the first chapters, it appeared that Welch was not necessarily assuming the reader had a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The wording indicated he might be writing to seekers, as well as "backslidden" Christians ("If you find yourself shutting down when the conversation turns to God, don't just wait for the conversation to move to something else..." "...you know different, even if you aren't sure what you believe about God.") If he was not assuming the reader was a Christian, I wondered if a clear Gospel presentation might have been appropriate at that point. However, as I moved into the subsequent chapters, it appeared the reader was assumed to be a Christian (just one who had turned from the path). In fact, most of the folks who will seek out biblical counseling DO fit into that latter category, but the possibility always exists that some who profess to be Christians might not actually be regenerate at all.
If using this book for counseling, I would encourage the counselor to ask all the diagnostic questions and collect extensive data beforehand (as one usually does in a first counseling session). Then, if any doubts remain, engage in what Jay Adams calls "pre-counseling" - essentially evangelism - to make sure the counselee has a relationship with God through Christ before going any further. Chapter 6 of this book offers a great exposition on propitiation that would be helpful in presenting the Gospel to an addict.
If you choose to use this book on your own to aid your fight against bulimia, examine yourself to see whether you are really in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5) before turning to the addiction itself. Do you really know Christ as Savior and Lord? Have you repented, and surrendered your life to Christ on His terms? Has there been any fruit in your life?
If the answer is "yes", yet you are still stuck in the foul pit of addiction, Ed Welch's "Crossroads: a Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction" is a wonderfully edifying tool to help you take the next step of faith.
Watch this 5-minute video of Dr. Welch discussing addictions and how to face them Scripturally:
* I always use the personal pronouns "her" and "she", as most people with eating disorders tend to be women. No feminist agenda is implied.
Next month, in May 0f 2010, it will have been six years since God set me free from the life-sucking bondage of bulimia. Through daily drawing near to Him and immersing myself in His life-giving Word, the Lord Jesus not only renewed my mind entirely, He proved Himself my dearest and most faithful Friend.
I'd like to take a short break from posting from my biblical counseling studies (although I'm finding great value in the nouthetic courses I'm taking, and wish more counselors for eating disorders had this insight) in order to just share a bit from the heart. Many of you have read my testimony of deliverance (under the June 2009 archives), but our lives are an ongoing testimony to God's grace. The story simply doesn't stop there.
The ironic thing is that six years ago, when I had to desperately cry out to God for strength just to get through the day, I felt closer to Him than at any other time in my life. There were many tears and gut-wrenching moments of confession. I knew and believed the promise of Hebrews 11: "Never will I leave you nor forsake you" as if it were engraved on my broken heart. I clung to the promise implied in Luke 17:4 that Christ would forgive me seven times in the same day like a lifeline. I metaphorically clung to His hand as if my life depended upon it.
Because it did.
And then I got stronger. Discipline gave way to habit, and humility gave way to confidence. My eating issues now a shameful part of the past, the law of inertia took over...except there is no such thing as a "spiritual inertia". In the Christian walk, either you are moving forward, or you're moving backward. It is so easy to think, when you are stuck in a life-dominating sin, that if you can just get victory over this one area, you will be "a great Christian". Hah! My friends, there is no such thing. There is always something, subtle or overt, that you will have to be on guard against - because our hearts are deceitful. Once we begin to rest on our laurels and think we're strong, our fellowship with Christ will begin to suffer because we are trusting in ourselves (even though we may be unaware of it). It's all too easy to slip into this "distance" mode with Jesus, which is why we need to stay in the Word and try to seek Him daily.
Surveying the past six years as a whole, some of the lessons the Lord has taught me are as follows:
1.) Our need for the Cross is an ongoing reality. The power of the Cross breaks the bondage of an addiction; that is true. Knowing that Christ died for your and my sin of bulimia, forgives and cleanses us, and gave us the power to restore food to its proper, God honoring place is key to repenting and putting this sin behind us. What happens once this sin is beat, however? Do we not need the Cross quite so desperately as before? Umm...no. I'll warn you right now that the Cross is for our ongoing sanctification as much as for the "really big" sins like bulimia. Discouragement? Anger? Unforgiveness? Bitterness? Trust me; these are all sins you will have to face, LONG after you are free of bulimia. Keep going to the Cross.
2.) There may be seasons post-addiction where you are unfaithful. No, I'm not talking about a "relapse". In fact, I'm not even talking about food. I'm talking about regular life. If you repent, Christ will deliver and restore you from bulimis; that's a given. Eventualy, though, the euphoria will wear off. You'll be tempted to forget His great deliverance and even doubt His personal love for you. You will develop pride in myriad ways, and you will sin again - in different areas - and think "He doesn't like me". Anticipate it. Do not let pride get the best of you - as soon as you become aware of it, return to His feet and confess this lapse. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
3.) He loves you personally, and wants you to abide in Him. Don't let Satan steal this knowledge from you, and don't let doubts and depression keep you from your Savior's side. Christ's love for you is just as real and as strong the day you snapped at your kids, were too busy to pray and haven't opened your Bible in three weeks as the day you spent two hours at His feet, worshipping and pleading for deliverance. "Come to Me" is an active, ongoing command given out of selfless love in the Gospels. In "What Jesus Demands from the World", John Piper writes the following:
Abiding Means Trusting in Jesus' Love
Not to abide in Jesus' love would mean that we stop believing that we are loved by Jesus. We look at our circumstances....and we conclude that we are not loved by Jesus anymore. That's the opposite of abiding in the love of Jesus. So abiding in His love means continuing to believe, moment by moment, that we are loved.
...So we conclude that abiding in Jesus -- in His love and in His Word -- is trusting that he really is loving us at every moment and that everything He has revealed about Himself and His work for us and our future with Him is true.Believing in Jesus as our living water means drinking the water -- savoring it and being satisfied with it. So it is with the sap that flows from the vine to the branch. We receive it, drink it, savor it, and satisfy our souls with it. This daily ever-renewed satisfaction in Jesus is the key to bearing fruit. This is what it means to abide in Jesus.
4.) When you realize you have not been "abiding", turn back to Him! These seasons are bond to come, yet the answer is the same - return to Him with all your heart. God knows how prone we are to wander, and all of us have seasons where we forsake our First Love (Rev. 2:4). He calls us to return, and "do the things we did at first" - note, this does not mean "work harder"; it means return to that place of unabashed love and unreserved faith. Remember how it felt to be at His feet, falling deeper in love with Him. When I remember how strong those bonds of trust of were when He was setting me free from bulimia, it renews my hope that no matter where I am (spiritually), He is there. Lack of feelings don't mean you have fallen "out of love" with Christ and that's it - don't expect that euphoria to always be there, and don't base your relationship with God on emotions. Just as in a human marriage, that honeymoon phase is normal, but allow yourself to go on to a mature faith. It's not always fun or exciting, but is based on steadfast obedience.
Of course, there is much more that can be said, but another time! What about you? What has God been teaching you in your walk?
All royalties from the sale of "Redeemed from the Pit" go to support Albania Evangelical Mission.
Soli Deo Gloria
By Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, In Christ Alone, Glory to God Alone
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"Is God willing to heal me?"
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "Iamwilling," he said. "Be clean!"
- Matt. 8:3; Luke 5:13
"I Can't Stop! Is there still hope for me?"
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." - 2 Peter 1:3
There is Hope.
If you are a Christian enslaved by the sin of bulimia or anorexia, you've come to the right place.
For many years, I lived the same shameful secret that consumes you. The good news is that you can completely and fully repent of this lifestyle and start living the abundant life Christ promises (John 10:10).
If you are willing to completely surrender this idol to Him, not only will Jesus Christ break the power of this sin, He will restore your mind and renew your heart to serve Him. He will turn your mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11), restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), and and put a new song in your mouth (Psalm 40:3). He bids you come to Him.
It all begins with humbling yourself at the foot of the Cross.
Free, Confidential Counsel for Eating Disorders
Yes. I really do correspond with any and every woman who writes me for encouragement. If you don't already know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you soon will because I am going to introduce you.
I will also commit to praying for you.
E-mail me at marie4thtimemom[at]yahoo.com.
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
(Psalm 40:1-3)
The book, and affiliated website, "Redeemed from the Pit: Biblical Repentance and Restoration from the Bondage of Eating Disorders""Redeemed from the Pit of Bulimia", including all textual material therein, has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
All textual material therein is the intellectual property of Marie Notcheva, including citations used with permission. Fair use laws apply. You have permission to quote from this site for personal use, with the provision that a link or other means of citation is given to the author.
In a word, no.
