The Real Answer to AddictionSample

When a child is adopted, instantly their last name changes. Without doing anything right or changing any of their behavior or value system, they get a new identity. 

Because of what Jesus has done on your behalf you have been adopted into the family of God and you have a new identity! This happens immediately when you place your faith in Christ and isn’t determined by your actions or values. Now you will begin the lifelong process of adopting Kingdom family values and behaviors. 

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story showing what happens when we begin a relationship with God and what gifts He gives us. A son of a wealthy man asks for his inheritance and leaves home to go find happiness. He wastes it on partying, prostitutes, and possibly drugs. He eventually runs out of money, experiences a famine, and shamefully comes back home, fully expecting to be scolded and punished. Rather than being punished, his Father embraces him, showers him with gifts, and throws a party.

Each one of the gifts illustrates an aspect of the son’s new identity. Like a father who’s adopting a child, who gives them a birth certificate, social security card, and a new last name, these gifts are crucial to your future. God is showing us what changed when we ran into His arms.

ROBE- The son shows up in dirty rags wreaking of pig dung and last night’s party, but his dad clothes him in an expensive robe made for a prince. This is a picture of how Jesus covers our shame and clothes us in His perfect righteousness.

RING- This symbolizes full acceptance and authority as a son. The young son was hoping to be accepted as one of the hired servants, but instead, his Father gives him the family signet ring, fully restoring him into the family. Likewise, you are now a child of God.

SHOES- in Jesus’ day, the feet were the most disgusting part of the person’s body. The fact that the Father gave his son shoes was a picture of how He covers the worst part of us.

FEAST- When the son left home, he was looking to get his fill in the world, but he ended up starving in a pigpen. The feast he was looking for was back at Dad’s house the whole time. The pleasure we were seeking in addiction is now on our plate every day in Christ.

Before we were in Christ, we had no choice in our addiction because we had a sin nature. We were enslaved. Our heart was in love with drugs, our mind was set on the flesh, and our body served sin. Now, the core of who you are has changed, but your heart, mind, and body must continue to be transformed. That’s what the rest of the devotional is about.

APPLICATION: 

• Find a quiet place to get alone with God for a while without any technology.
• During this time, write down who you used to be before you received Jesus. After you have finished this, draw a cross over your list and burn it. The old you has died.
• Read Ephesians 1 and write down your new identity. Who are you now that you are in Christ? Keep this somewhere you can see it every day. The new you is here to stay.