We hear talk about addictions every day. What are people addicted to? Drugs. Alcohol. Gambling. Pornography. Sex. Cigarettes. Extreme sports. What else? There must be a hundred more.
Obviously some addictions are more dangerous than others. But why are there so many addictions? And even the bizarre show, “My Strange Addiction.” Doesn’t it seem like people can become addicted to ANYTHING? I believe they can.
Jesus said it best:
“He who sins is a slave of sin,” John 8:34.
Whatever sin you repeat can become an addiction. Even mental habits like holding a grudge or arrogantly dismissing someone who criticizes you—these too can become patterns as powerful as any addiction, though you may never think to label them as such.
Ask God to reveal to you areas of your life in which you have become a slave. Ask Him to reveal your most serious, most threatening addictions, and to show you how to be freed from them. You will have to change your habits and your patterns. Watch for things that make you weak. What “triggers” you and leaves you vulnerable? Submit all of it to God. Ask Him to change your heart and give you a desire to change.
Pray, “Lord, I may not be willing, but I am willing to be MADE willing.”
Ask Him—beg Him—to set you free. And pray and hang on to John 8:36:
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Jesus can break the chains of addiction. Jesus can set you free!
Jesus Gives Grace.
Read John chapter 8.
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