Why is Addiction Widespread?
CONVERSATIONS:
Q. Why is Addiction so prevalent?
Do you know anyone who is an addict? Chances are, you do.
We read about famous movie stars, who seemingly have all the wealth and fame, but secretly nurse a drug problem.
We hear of families losing their life savings because of uncontrolled gambling.
Addiction, can take many forms. Yes, there’s substance abuse: cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, but we can also be addicted to shopping, coffee or people!
Today, we think of “addiction” as a physical act. Actually, addiction is more a spiritual need, than a physical need:
Compare these 2 definitions below:
1. Merriam-Webster dictionary: (current) “Addiction”: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)
2. Noah Webster 1928 dictionary: “Addiction” The act of devoting or giving up in practice; the state of being devoted.
Do you see a difference in the definitions?
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The first describes a harmful form of addiction, the second shows a more positive type of addiction.
Even the Bible describes 2 kinds: Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 NLT
What does this teach us?
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There is something inside every person that is “empty” and needs to be filled.
Blaise Pascal describes it this way: “There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.”
Do you agree or disagree with that statement?
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The addictions that we see now, are man’s efforts to fill the emptiness inside him.
"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. "Incline your ear and come to Me.” Isaiah 55:2-3a
“Addiction” or true devotion to God brings real freedom and liberty.
The world’s addictions enslave, and entrap, while devotion to God, actually liberates the Christian believer. All of a sudden, the chronic adulterer can change. The habitual liar, now chooses to tell the truth. The “black sheep” becomes God’s sheep as he follows the Good Shepherd.
Q. Based on the verses below, what beneficial things happen, when we choose to devote ourselves to follow God?
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For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3
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“For the (the wicked) y cannot sleep unless they do evil…For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:16-18
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
You are the way, the truth and the life. Help my heart be addicted and devoted to you, and not to any created thing.
Make me hunger and thirst for your words and your wisdom. May I learn to seek Your presence daily so my soul may be filled and satisfied.
I pray for myself and my friends as well, please break the clutches of harmful addictions and replace it supernaturally with a devotion to You. What is impossible for men is possible with You. Thank You for the power of your Holy Spirit to bring us true liberty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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