The Real Answer to Addictionنموونە

I used to be at the center of my own universe, and I expected everyone to revolve around me, including God. My opinion is what mattered. Everyone and everything were created to meet my needs and serve me. This is the mindset of most people, especially people in addiction. The truth is, God does not revolve around us like some sort of deified butler; we revolve around Him. People are not here to meet our needs; we’re here to serve them and point them to the real Center. I am not the crown jewel of the Universe; God is.

When this miracle happens, everything begins to shift, and we reap the benefits. Our joy is multiplied when Jesus takes His rightful seat at the center of our universe

Self-centeredness is the antithesis of joy in God. When we are consumed with ourselves, we’re miserable, but when we die to ourselves and God becomes our new center, we come alive. Rather than expecting people to serve us, we are called to give up our lives for the good of others. Rather than being served and miserable, we’re called to serve others out of an overflow of joy in God. 

The antidote to a miserable, selfish life is selflessness that flows from a heart that has been transformed by the Gospel. The most pleasurable life is one lived for the fame of God and the good of others. Jesus laid down his life, “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2), and we are called to do the same.

This can look like holding a door for someone, giving money to the poor, letting someone stay with you for a season, or giving someone a ride. It could look like starting a non-profit to feed the poor, care for orphans, save people from the sex slave industry, or help others find freedom from addiction. It could mean being a missionary, planting a church, or thousands of other things, but the pinnacle of this love is sharing the best gift--the Gospel.

Jesus commands us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Once we’ve experienced the grace and love of God in salvation we are not only saved, satisfied, and set free, but we are also sent on mission to bring the Kingdom of God to earth and tell others about how they can be saved too. Our purpose is to enjoy God and share Him with as many people as possible. You have an unlimited supply of the vaccine this world is dying for!

APPLICATION:

• Who is at the center of your Universe? How can you make Jesus the center?
• How can you begin serving and loving others today?
• Who can you share your story and the Gospel with today?
• What would it look like for you to devote the rest of your life to wild mission? Spend some time in prayer, asking God to use you to change the world.