P.B. & J.
A recovery group, even a church sponsored recovery program like 423 Communities, is not a Bible study. We do not meet in group to learn about the travels of the Apostle Paul, investigate the symbolism of the Tabernacle, or parse Greek verbs. Our program is not about the acquisition of Bible knowledge.
The goal of recovery is not information, but transformation. It is entirely possible for a person to possess a nearly encyclopedic grasp of Scripture, and yet remain stuck in an addictive pattern of sexual misbehavior. In fact, some people hide behind their knowledge of theology and Bible as an avoidance tactic to keep from addressing the real issue of secret sexual sin. In 423 Communities we hold a high view of Scripture. We believe that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2nd Timothy 3.16-17 NIV) and we actively employ God’s written word in our unique recovery methodology.
The Bible, of course, has a fair amount to say on the subject of healthy sexuality. 423 Women, 423 Men, 423 Young Men, and 423 Sisters curricula are heavily based on Scripture, sprinkled generously with references from the books of Genesis through Revelation. We strongly encourage 423 members to engage in P. B. & J. No, that does not stand for peanut butter and jelly! In the context of Christ-centered recovery, we suggest members practice the devotional disciplines of prayer, Bible reading, and journaling (P. B. & J.). We remind members, “Take a few minutes during the best part of your day for dedicated prayer and Bible reading. Then record your insights in a journal.”
A journal is a private collection of Biblically inspired thoughts about your journey of self-discovery as directed by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes 423 members “share their P. B. & J.” by reading from their journals during group for mutual encouragement.
We do not advise spending inordinate amounts of time in this devotional practice. People are busy with jobs and family obligations. Rather, it would be far better to consistently practice five minutes of P. B. & J. each day for years, than to invest lengthy hours in the study of the Word, prayer, and journal writing early in recovery, only to soon suffer burnout. Hefty amounts of time dedicated to P. B. & J. may not be realistic or sustainable.
Consistency is the key to a healthy practice of devotional disciplines. The twentieth century French philosopher Blaise Pascal is reported as saying, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Even a few daily moments spent alone with Jesus and away from the noise of technology and people, can help to center a human’s soul and pave the way for the Holy Spirit’s leading.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) “Fragment Entertainment No. 4/7” (Laf. 136, salt. 168) transcripts of the C1 and C2 copies: “J’ay dit souvent que tout le malheur des hommes vient d’une seule chose qui est de ne sçavoir pas demeurer en repos dans une chambre,” may be translated literally, “I have often said that all the misfortune[s] of men [come from] just one thing, that is not knowing how to stay quietly in a room.” You may find and view fragments of Pascal’s actual manuscripts at a variety of sites on the Internet.
At 423 Communities International, our doors are open for business. We are still offering recovery options for those struggling with temptations and trauma around pornography, sexual fantasies, and addictive behaviors. Want more information? Click here: https://www.423communities.org/join.