I am a self-confessed​ addict – Part 4

Addictions are real issues in people’s lives; however, we have a choice to make whether we will participate in it or not. An addiction can be a stronghold in someone’s life. The term stronghold in the Greek is “a heavily-fortified containment.” It is an area in one’s life with the least resistance.  Shaw (2008), in his book, “The Heart of Addiction: A Biblical Perspective.” conceptualizes addiction as a “life-dominating and life devastating sin problem.” He sees “addiction” ultimately as a “worship disorder.” In other words, worshipping the wrong thing to the point where it becomes an abnormal behaviour which will ultimately lead to disorder in one’s life. Hey, don’t be in bondage to anything; and I mean anything.

This statement is not to scare us; it is to help us constantly examine ourselves in light of God’s Word, whilst in the process daily yielding and pulling down ungodly thoughts. Are you aware thoughts can be captured? Look at what the Bible says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Read 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV). In other words, measuring one’s thoughts against the Word of God; God’s Word is the standard, and if the thought does not match up to God’s Word, then get rid of it.

Someone will ask, what then is the root of addiction? The Biblical text is our foundation of truth, therefore, let us look at what the Bible says, “For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world (worldly affairs).” Read 1 John 2:16 (AMP). Clearly, we can see all or any form of addiction that will or does not glorify the Father in Heaven is evil, hence, “Stay away from every kind of evil.” Read 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NLT). Beloved, this is a warning to all of us, one we need to take very seriously. God knows exactly what He is talking about when He tells us to stay away from evil.

As you will know, there is always a confrontation between the Word of God and the worldly affairs, hence the Bible says, “Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” Read James 4:4 (NLT).  Listen to God’s counsel, “I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” Read John 16:33 (AMP). As children of God and heirs to the Kingdom, we should not give in to addictions that can easily destroy one’s life.

I truly hope you have been enlightened and the Lord through the help of the Holy Spirit has enabled you to truly examine yourself and to help you make the necessary adjustments as is required in Jesus Name. Self-examination will help us sharpen our edge. Don’t bother examining someone else because you have enough of yourself to examine, Selah. Finally, let us not allow ourselves to be desensitized about the dangers of addiction and obsessive behaviours.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.