“Do not call to mind the former things or consider things of the past. (Isaiah 43:18 NASB)
Flipping channels at the regular speed that is typical for those of the male species, I stopped at a show about addictions. The addictions were not just what typically comes to our minds when we think of the word “addictions”, but they were odd, unique, unusual addictions that certain adults had unknowingly developed. No, it was not related to drugs, alcohol, or violent tendencies, but they we just things grown folks had carried over from childhood, manifested behaviors in the past that were practiced regularly or daily, and the addicts on the show were sincerely attempting to break their rare and compulsive tendencies. I’ll just name one. There was a grown woman who would not go anywhere without her pillow. She carried that pillow everywhere, in the house and in public. There were some addictions that were equally as rare or really odd on the show. The show made me think about how Satan tries to lure us, speaking of believers, back to the things we used to do and declare, “I don’t do no more.” I’m not speaking of things that are odd now, but rather things that are opposite to the will of God, the word of God, and the way which the Lord wants us to walk as His witnesses.
You know that Satan is always at work trying to steer you away from holiness, and influence you to engage in that which falls under the heading of sinfulness. He gets in our minds and says, “That one bad habit” or, staying with the topic, “that one bad thing you are addicted to ain’t so bad.” Well, disagree, and say, “Yes, it is! For it is not seen as good in the eyes of God.” The world and your flesh may agree, find harmony with the suggestion of the evil one. It happens! But thank God there is a remedy, a cure for our addictions. Keep reading!
Are there really addictions from the past that are knocking on the door of the believer’s being? Yes, let me list a few: Cursing! Doing my thing on Sunday versus being in the assembly of the saints! Gambling! Eating foods that your physician has prohibited you from eating for the sake of your health! Entering one bad relationship after the other as if there is a time limit on finding the right person! Not living according to the principles in the Ten Words or the Sermon on the Mount! Being obstinate! Allowing the social media input to change your view on morality and set new standard for norm! (God is the One who set the norms!) Seeing any form of authority as a form of oppression! There’s more, but I have given you enough that you get the picture. Don’t go back to old habits are stay with old behavior that you have wrongly labeled acceptable in the sight of God. Think about it! Now for the fix.
The fix? What’s the fix? First, refer to the verses above and below. Next, meditate on which of your behaviors can be classified as an addiction, one that you keep fighting to overcome. Then, apply your Bible learning so you can stop that yearning for the things you used to do and were once, in the past, a dominating addiction. My friend may God be with you. Have an addiction free day, week, and life! If you want to be addicted to anything, be addicted to the One who has blessed you to see this day. Make a positive change where change is appropriate! Be blessed!
“Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 New King James Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Addictions are difficult to manage, gain control, and stop doing. In thinking about what addictions I could address, my thoughts went to eating too much sweet bread such as chocolate covered cake donuts, chips, pretzels, some candy, and other junk foods. If I recognize that these fall under the category of “not seen as good in the eyes of God,” it may be easier to ease out of this addiction. I want to reach toward the goal for the prize, God has set before us through Jesus Christ. I want to be declared a winner.
Good point about “the eyes of God.” I thought about that as well. He may want us around for a purpose for a long time, but it is possible to minimize our years of availability because of diet and health as it affects our longevity, and thus our availability and/or capability. Thank you for a quick, early response.
Addictions are difficult to mange, I have a snack addictions it’s so hard to let go, but I know I can do it, In Romans 12:1-2, believers are urged to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God”. This act of presenting the body is described as spiritual worship.
Yes ma’am! They are difficult! Snack addictions are especially hard. Sometimes I think it is because we don’t have any adults telling us we cannot have any as when we were kids. You can do it! You have done it before! Be blessed LT!