Which of the following are addictive? Drugs. Porn. Violence. Pain. Eating glass. Eating dirt. Tobacco. Marijuana. Chocolate. Alcohol. Gambling. Gaming. Sports. Screens. Cell phones. Exercise. The Bachelor. Plastic Surgery. Dieting. Tattoos. Shopping. Tanning. Hoarding. Diet soda. Chewing ice. Sadness. Worry. Rejection.
I hope you chose all of the above. Not all addictions are the same—but you can become addicted to nearly anything. I got this entire list (with one exception) from addiction websites. But what do the world’s experts know of spiritual matters?
Jesus talked about being set free and the world’s experts argued:
“‘We are descendants of Abraham,” they answered Him, ‘and we have never been enslaved to anyone….’ Jesus responded, ‘I assure you: Everyone who sins is a slave of sin’” John 8:33-34.
HE WHO SINS IS A SLAVE OF SIN.
Do you believe that? I do. Sinning with heroine—or anything that creates a physical reaction in your body—is probably more dangerous than activities that involve a more minor physical reaction. Chocolate, for example, will never create an addiction for me, because it barely creates any reaction in me. But you know yourself—things that create a strong reaction can become immediately addicting. Even hot sauce. (When I lived on the U.S.-Mexican border I would get cravings if I had not had any hot sauce all day, and I would drive around at night looking for a Taco Bell.)
What is the solution? Jesus. More of Jesus. MEMORIZE HIS WORD. (How long has it been since you pushed yourself to memorize something?)
“If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:31-32.
Are you enslaved to sin? That is your EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.
MEMORIZE THIS:
“God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the temptation, will provide a way of ESCAPE” 1 Corinthians 10:13.
THAT is the way to be set free from temptation. Memorize God’s word and quote it to the temptation!
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Household Words: 