Getting Over the Bridge of Self-Destruction into Abundant Life

Every individual is born into and lives within various cultures, including family culture, cultural location, work culture, and more. Each of these cultures holds both destructive and positive influences and expectations. Destruction occurs when we are unaware of these detrimental cultural practices, causing us to repeat them and subsequently perpetuate this culture in us and the next generation.

However, CHRIST brings an end to the “Bridge of Self-Destruction” by offering the “Abundant Life” that HIS culture provides, allowing us to move off the bridge, where we can walk in HIS abundant life. As stated in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly!”

Here are a few examples to illustrate these destructive cultures:

– A woman seeks to attract a man, and, as a result, dresses less modestly than she should. She does attract a man who is looking for someone willing to engage in a sexual relationship without a marriage commitment. He searches in bars or workplaces for a woman who fits his desires, and the lack of modesty draws him in. They eventually move in together, but their relationship is short-lived and painful, leading to the repetition of a destructive cycle found within their culture that prevents them from reaching an abundant life.

– A young, divorced mother embarking on a quest to find a new husband. She soon meets someone who shows interest, and within weeks, they move in together. If children are involved, they are expected to accept this significant change in their lives without complaint. While there might be an initial adjustment period, commitment quickly becomes an issue, leading to relationship failure. This cultural cycle then involves the children, who learn from this experience and are likely to replicate it in their own lives, continuing the destructive cycle and barring them from the abundant life.

– A middle-aged couple requests marriage counseling. It soon becomes apparent that only one partner believes they need counseling, while the other does not. Since marriage counseling requires the cooperation of both individuals to foster change, the process cannot proceed effectively in this situation. Often, counseling is hindered by one partner’s resistance to change, particularly if that individual is also the controlling partner, preventing meaningful progress. Consequently, the destructive cultural cycle persists, and the abundant life remains unattainable.

– An adult is trying to break free from addiction and begins attending counseling sessions. Although they consistently participate in these sessions, their culture, which discourages change, often pulls them back into old behaviors. This individual is hesitant to take the necessary, cultural steps toward freedom and ends up taking an overdose that nearly costs them their life. The cycle of destruction continues as those around them refuse to acknowledge that death is a looming possibility. I receive a call, and the hope for abundant life is lost, as death triumphs in their culture.

When we choose to step away from the bridge of destruction and embrace CHRIST’s new culture of abundant life, everything starts to change. CHRIST teaches us the true meaning of love and provides us with the strength to cultivate discipline and correct thinking. Ultimately, this leads us to an abundant life that can only be found in HIS culture. As we follow HIM, we transition from the destructive cycles of our past to a new life-giving culture that fosters growth in CHRIST, which brings freedom and abundance. I pray you will follow CHRIST off the bridge and into HIS abundant life! Amen

Rev. Dr. Carole Hulslander, Still Waters Community Church

[email protected] ; Still Waters Community Church | Norcross, GA ,

Still Waters International Academy, 1560 Oakbrook Dr. Norcross Georgia,

Private Christian School: (stillwaters.academy)