Coming Clean- A Book Review

When I think about addictions my mind usually goes to drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc., while I very rarely think about busyness or pain aversion. One thing I do know is that anything that steals my time is not always labeled correctly as an addiction, but rather, an idol.

Seth Haines has given us a glimpse into his life as an recovering alcoholic is his book, Coming Clean. Instead of being written as a story of the past, he has chosen to write it as he deals with each day sober. There are many things in this diary of his that makes the reader think out loud. His self-reflection definitely causes one to examine one's own life to ask the hard questions, "How am I dealing with pain and trials?" "What has taken the place of Christ in my life?" "Have I given up?" "Are there any issues of unforgiveness that I need to deal with?"

What is interesting and got me thinking more than anything else is the fact that Mr. Haines is a typical church-going, professing believer. He in involved in serving in the church, even leading worship. The whole issue of community became more important than ever as he dealt with fears, doubts, abandonment, and learning to trust Christ (again) in the midst of the possibility of losing his son. 

His style of writing is impressive, yet as times seems to candy-coat sin and not call it out for what it is. Then at other times, he obviously was convicted by words of truth from God's Word.

I applaud Mr. Haines in telling his story. I know there are many who can relate to addictions who desire to be free from them. I pray that as they read this book, they will become aware that it is all of Christ. Not from some self-help or self-will. But ALL of Christ.

I received a free copy of this book as part of the booklook blogging network.