Addictions
We live in a culture that is addicted to everything. Everywhere you look, you see someone who is addicted to something. Not only are people addicted to drugs and smoking, they are addicted to things that most people don’t always think of as addictions. Things like games, music, TV, food and even work can be addictions.
Some addictions, like smoking and drugs are very harmful to ourselves and to others around us. They not only control our life, but they destroy our health too. Other addictions are harmful as well, but it’s not always obvious. Being addicted to work can be extremely harmful too, not only to yourself, but to your families and friends. Being addicted to food does terrible things to your health. Games, music and TV can be harmful if they keep us away from things that are more important. Some things aren’t dangerous by themselves, but are dangerous when they cause us to do them instead of something more important.
While some addictions are more harmful than others, they are all sinful. Jesus says in Mark 12:30 that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are addicted to something, we are not capable of doing that. The singular focus in our life should be God, not things of the world.
Sadly, we as Christians have a tendency to shoot the wounded when it comes to people who are addicted to something. We act superior to them; like we’re better than they are because we don’t think we have an addiction. We look down on them. That’s not how we should be, the Bible is very clear that we are all sinners; we are no better than they are. We shouldn’t condone their addictions, but neither should we act arrogant about it. We should pray for them, and help them as much as we can. Be there for them.
With God’s help, addictions can be broken. Pray for those who are addicted, but look at your own life for addictions first.
