Are You An Addict OR Just Have A Little Problem
Are you "addicted" to something? Do you have a "problem" saying 'no' to something? Do you feel out of control over this "thing" - you are NOT alone! We all seem to have one thing or another that trips us up.
Definition of being addicted to something:
When the “thing/habit” you crave gets in the way of living life
AND/OR it gets in the way of you caring for yourself and family, work, friends… You are physically and mentally dependent on
a particular "thing/habit," and you are unable to stop taking/using/watching/having
it without suffering adverse effects. You are devoted to a particular thing or
activity. You choose the “thing/habit” over anything or anyone else, no matter what
the consequences might be. Even to the detriment of safety. In other words: The choice or habit to do something that interferes
with your everyday life.
No matter if your “thing/habit” is: food, shopping, sugar,
drinking, drugs, sex, TV, exercise, anger, denial, laziness, money, work… We
CAN be victorious and overcome – but NOT on our own!
How can we do this? By following Gods word. Here it is – all laid
out for us… (Using NIV, MSG, NLT)
Because
we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t
participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual
promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence
of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge
your evil desires. (1) But don’t just listen to God’s
word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
(2) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like
fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in
these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord
wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that
will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the
Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (3) But
if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.
(4) But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your
expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that
Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a
trap. (5) Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the
faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular
checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is
in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. (6)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed
before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. (7)
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (8)
1 - Romans 13:13-14
2 - James
1:22
3 - Ephesians
5:15-20
4 - Numbers
32:23
5 - Luke
21:34
6 - 2
Corinthians 13:5
7 - Hebrews 4:13
8 - Philippians 4:13
I am praying you are fully and completely honest with yourself
today. Then get real and honest with God (He already knows anyway). Now – in,
thru, and by His power – be brave, ask for His help to “get freed” from any
addiction you may be caught in the middle of. He is waiting for you to make the
first move. Then be ready for His grace and mercy as forgiveness floods over
you and a ‘new you’ will emerge! You will have to reach out to Him each and
every time those old ‘habits’ try and show up. Don’t try to do it on your own!
We are not strong enough! But God is and thru the Holy Spirit of Jesus – we CAN
win these battles. Be well. Be safe. Be blessed today!
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