By Rufus Clifford III
The very mention of this word often times sends chills down a person. In our society when we hear that some- one is addicted to something, or someone, it immediately brings to our minds certain words. Helplessness, lack of self-control. Webster even defines the word “addict” as such: “to give oneself up (to some strong habit) a per- son addicted to some habit, esp. to the use of a narcotic drug.”
My point is that this word often carries with it a negative meaning in our society. I believe that although it is true that some folks can and do become addicted to things that are harmful and that are certainly contrary to God’s teaching it is possible to be addicted to good things! By good things I mean something that is not wrong according to God’s holy word, something that violates no Bible principles. Yes I believe that if I want to be pleasing to God I had better be “addicted” to certain things.
Let me share with you some addictions all Christians need:
1. Study (2 Tim. 2:15). If I’m a Christian I better be addicted to the study of God’s word.
2. Prayer (1 Thess. 5:17). If I’m a Christian I better be addicted to prayer. I had better be talking to my God on a daily basis.
3. Truth (John 17:7). If I’m a Christian I better be addicted to the truth. It is truth that will set us free. “Thy word is truth.”
4. Self-control (Rom. 6:12). If I’m a Christian I better be addicted to controlling my flesh. I must not live after the flesh.
5. Souls of Others (Ezek. 3:18). If I’m a Christian I better be addicted to teaching others the gospel. For one day I will give an account of my love for or my lack of love for the souls of others.
Perhaps you can think of more things for which a Christian should be addicted. I believe you get the idea of what I am saying about the word addiction. It can and does carry with it a negative idea concerning some things in our society but I hope you can see the positive side of being addicted to certain things. Paul (1 Cor. 16:15) makes the following statement:
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints (KJV).
This word addicted here is the Greek word tasso which means “have set themselves.” The NIV uses the word “devoted.” The American Standard uses the word “set.” They were addicted or devoted or set to the ministry of the saints. Are we?
Just think of the parallels that can be made between an addict in our society and their addiction, verses a Christian that is addicted to God.
1. Can’t live without it.
2. Must have it.
3. Need it.
4. The will and desire to do whatever it takes to be near or have that for which they are addicted.
5. The changes that an addiction can cause in one’s life.
Yes if you’re a Christian, I hope you are addicted to Jesus and his word. If you are not, let me be the first to tell you just what you are missing.
There is no high that can take you higher than Jesus! There is no drink that can pick you up or do as much for you, like drinking from God’s holy word! Are you addicted to the gospel? If not, open up the Bible and read for yourself about the love God has for you and the provisions he’s made that you and I might have eternal life. Just remember being addicted to God is not only good for your body but it’s good for your soul too. Yes, like all addictions it’s going to cost you. But don’t all addictions.