Introduction
Choosing the right social environment will either help or hinder your goal of recovery from an unhealthy addiction (Ecclesiastes 4:12). To master the art of managing yourself in a social world, you’ll need a supportive environment that reinforces your God-focused behavioral decisions so you can remain consistent and be at peace in your new normal (Deuteronomy 29:4 & 23, Psalm 7:14, Psalm 119:156, Proverbs 26:11, 119:165, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Hebrews 2:1, White, (2008)). When you shinE God in your life, you are expressing through your body and soul what is true in your spirit and heart. Focusing on your “social” choices, like deciding where to live and work and with whom to form friendships,
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will determine your balance of peace. Reading “Managing Self in a Social World”, will help you learn how to cope with societal norms, social pressures, and interpersonal relationships that challenge your psychological peace by tempting you to snap back into old habits from social pressure (1 Peter 4:2-4). As you merge back into a diverse social setting, choose your environment carefully so you are encouraged to maintain your Christian values by practicing patience, flexibility, adaptability, conflict minimization, negotiation, forgiveness and love.
When you publicly express values reflective of God as the center of your life, you achieve peace and well-being through the Christian psycho-social balance (Keyes, C., 2002, Seligman, M. E. (2012)). It is because of God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance, that you CAN love yourself, let go of the past and look confidently toward living out your new normal. God has equipped you to win the struggle to express your faith (1 Timothy 6:3-6, 6:11-14, 2 Timothy 1:6-7). But it’s a matter of choice to do it. The power of the Holy Spirit can only be realized when you put God at the center of your life and act accordingly despite counter opinions and judgement from others (Matthew 6:33, Mark 10:27-28, Luke 6:37, 12:31-34, James 2:15-17). You can say “yes” to forgiveness and “no” to guilt and shame. (Read more at Appendix 2A.) God’s freeing grace is the gift of the Holy Spirit in you that gives you the strength and confidence you need to walk out His righteous ways publicly (Acts 5:28-29, Romans 8:26-28, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2:14-16, 4:22-24, 5:2, 1 John 1:5, Revelation 2:17). Hold to your faith.
Set yourself up for success! Be friendly to everyone-- but be selective when choosing close friends! Act with versatility, flexibility and adaptability without compromising your core values. Choosing close friends who share your Christians values not only fulfills a social need of belonging, it also reinforces Christian standards which will reduce the level of “performance tension” that accompanies the implementation of your Spirit (D) empowered A, B, C’s (following God’s way of righteousness). While disagreements over opinions can’t be avoided, when conflicting interests are resolved into friendly conversations, stress and the resulting anxiety it produces can be avoided while maintaining and enriching friendships (Proverb 27:17, Ephesians 4:15). Use the energy from God’s love to motivate you to reach your new normal-wholeness in spirit, soul and body. As in section one, insights are drawn from the Bible, academic circles, and recovery centers that will help you stay en-COURAGED as you reengage in society using your new skills with peace and confidence so they can turn into productive habits (Colossians 2:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
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See section three for self-assessments and planning worksheets that will help you become more intentional in your decision making so the good you think, you do publicly.