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,

will determine this balance that brings both internal peace and joy (John 14:1, 28, 15:11, Proverbs 17:22). Reading “Managing Self in a Social World”, will help you learn how to practice your Christianity among social pressures and problematic interpersonal relationships that challenge your identity so that you don't lose the joy and peace of knowing Jesus by giving in to the temptation to snap back into old habits (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 the values reflective of God (the King of Kings and Lord of Lords), your chosen "higher authority", you achieve the peace and well-being as a result of the Christian psycho-social balance (Deuteronomy 10:12-20, Keyes, C., 2002, Seligman, M. E. (2012)). You can say “yes” to forgiveness and “no” to shame (Appendix 2A.) 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). 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). God's mercy saves you, but it's His grace that enables you to be free.

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 so you can maintain and enrich 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 to section two (Manage Self in a Social World) are drawn from the Bible, academic circles, and recovery center curricula that will help you stay en-COURAGED as you calmly and confidently reengage in society practicing your new skills so your new habits reveal your Christ identity (Colossians 2:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

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.