The Jude Thaddeus Program - Chapter 2

The World According to the Law

If you are unable to decide at this point about the abstinence issue, please continue with the program regardless. This process will bring you to a point of greater stability and self-understanding, which in turn will allow you to make a more informed decision. From this point forward the program will not talk exclusively about substance abuse.  For many, once they have overcome the alcohol and drug problem with a simple choice and commitment to let it go many discover different aspects of their life that scare them.

Persistent and excessive alcohol and drug use can induce an “immaturity coma” that, in many cases, produces a life laden with collateral damage, dissatisfaction and confusion.

For a person to feel joy, they must be able to adapt and overcome life’s challenges. There is the trite saying, “The only constant in life is change.” Trite or not, this statement is absolutely true. This is the first law we must examine.

Selfishness is an inherent part of childhood and for most people this trait continues throughout adolescence. Selfishness in the human young is a survival mechanism much the same as it is for other animals. When a baby is hungry, it cries. It doesn’t care or know what everyone else is doing at that moment; it only knows that it must eat. Moreover, this selfish behavior is rewarded.

As children we are the center of our universe because we have not seen enough of our surroundings to know otherwise. Adolescence is that period between childhood and adulthood where our perception is getting bigger, and frankly, that scares
most of us as we struggle through it.

There are five major laws that guide people to success regardless of their circumstances.

Fully developed adults accept that certain laws exist, whether they are the universal four laws mentioned earlier, society’s laws, or a personal code of ethics. All of these positive rules or laws exist to guide people to happiness. Immature people see the laws as hampering their desire for instant gratification – what they want now. This attitude makes it virtually impossible for a person to become successful in life.

…the world does not change to accommodate an individual’s wants or needs. If you don’t believe this, just try to make the sun stay up after sunset or make the clouds go away on a rainy day. To not accept the world as it is, is self-centered and counterproductive. People who accept and live in reality have matured and as a direct result lead happy and productive lives.

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