When dealing with addiction
“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19 ESV)
Addiction: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence: the state of being addicted.
I was addicted to alcohol
Before my life was transformed by Christ, I was addicted to alcohol. I spent every cent I got to support my addiction. Many times I got into serious trouble because of my drinking and its affect on my behavior. I was often drunk and disorderly in public places. The police arrested me and I went to jail. I could not stop drinking no matter how hard I tried. Then one evening I was out drinking with my friends, and while looking for matches in the car’s glove-box, I found a small gospel tract, written by Chick Publications, with the title, “This Was Your Life” about a young man who was exactly like me. It told about sin and its consequences, about Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for sin, and it explained how to pray and receive Him into your life as your personal Lord and Savior. I sincerely prayed that prayer and was instantly “born again”, just as Jesus had described in the Bible, in John 3: 1-8. From that moment on my life was forever changed. It has now been more than 50 years since I stopped drinking. I had other addictions, too, such as smoking, that I eventually became free from. Strange as this may sound, and still I don’t understand why, it was harder for me to quit smoking than it was for me to quit drinking. I was instantly delivered from my addiction to alcohol but not from my smoking habit. I did eventually prevail but it took much prayer, much effort, and much self control. The following verses have proven very helpful to me along the way to victory.
Be sober-minded
Being “sober-minded, as the verse below says, means developing a healthy mindset over addiction. Realize that the devil is behind it, “like a roaring lion seeking to destroy you”, and you must constantly watch out for his evil devices and resist him and his attacks.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
Remain steadfast
Understand that not only is the devil attacking you, your own desires are also at work within you, according to the passage below, “luring, enticing and tempting” you to continue your addiction. Recognize your addiction’s symptoms in their earliest stages as warnings to you to quickly stop, reverse direction as necessary, and to take action against them, before they can develop into “full blown sin”. Remain steadfast in your fight against addiction and expect to be blessed.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 12:1-15 ESV)
Do not be enslaved by anything
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12 ESV)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1 ESV)
Abstain from passions of the flesh
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Cor. 2:11 ESV)
Avoid bad company
In your fight against addiction learn to recognize and stay away from what is dangerous for you to be around, including certain people. If you have old friends who participate in what you are addicted to, don’t hang around with them anymore. My company makes it necessary for me to attend industry trade shows and conventions where a lot of drinking goes on. I don’t go to the bars or attend parties or drinking events. I stick only to my business and what I am there for. Occasionally someone will offer me a drink and I say cheerfully with a smile on my face, “No thank you. I’m allergic to alcohol. When I drink it, I break out in police cars and handcuffs.” They always laugh and say something like, “Oh yes, I completely understand.” Anyway, whatever it takes for you to remain victorious and steadfast, do it.
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor. 15:33 ESV)
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Rom. 13:14 ESV)
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41
Call upon the Lord in the day of trouble
“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
Therefore…
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13 ESV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16 ESV)
Quote:
“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” - Warren Wiersbe