Ben's thesis: the problem is the inability to say no
Ben argues the core problem is not the thing but the inability to say no: he once allowed himself gas-station trips with no dollar limit and realized he never denies himself - naps, snacks, canceled plans. Swapping brownies for apples misses the point if you cannot refuse either; where there is no pattern of self-control failure a swap is fine, but a pattern demands building the muscle of 'no.'
More on Self-control
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What's happening: Tony Stewart and the biblical approach to anger
- What is the most biblical approach to interacting with someone when you are angry?
Dan frames the Tony Stewart-Kevin Ward Jr. racetrack tragedy as a question about anger: A) speak your mind freely, B) hold your tongue until calm, C) fake a smile then kick your dog.
From No. 201 · As We Are
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Is recreational marijuana okay for Christians where it is legal?
- Is recreational marijuana use okay for a Christian where it can be purchased legally?
Prompted by Colorado's legalization of recreational marijuana, the hosts debate whether use is permissible for Christians where legal.
From No. 173 · Marijuana and Spiritual Leadership
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Dear LFTP: the backseat-driver sister and the labels riff
Dear LFTP: a retired man's slightly younger sister is a loud, aggressive backseat driver whose outbursts distract him.
From No. 515 · Beyond Despacito
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Pope Style: Mike on his first fast — 'I can say no'
- What advice would you give someone contemplating a fast?
After the Pope Style setup (a crowd on Mike's porch demanding pope-like wisdom), Mike tells of his reluctant first three-week fast with his wife — beans and water.
From No. 231 · Don’t Isolate in Christian Cliques