The dictionary defines addiction as “the compulsive need for a habit-forming substance; the condition of being habitually and compulsively occupied with something.” This definition is accurate, however incomplete. For us, as Christians, addiction has an additional meaning: it means impulsively worshipping something other than God.
Unless you’ve been living on a deserted island, you know people who are full-blown addicts – probably lots of people! If you, or someone you know or love, is suffering from the vice of addiction, don’t fret, help is available.
God has entrusted us to care for our bodies and we must conform to this. We must be mindful of the destructive power of addiction, and avoid the people, places, and substances that can entrap our spirit and destroy our life. Consider this: Is it possible that our addictions are just cover-ups for our spiritual need to be completely sold out to something? We all have a place in our souls that only God can fill, and if we resist that or ignore God’s place in our lives, we are likely to become addicted to other things. Food for thought!
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8 (NIV)
From the heart of Selina Lee
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