Carrying the Weight - Addiction, Anger, Suicide, & FatherlessnessChikamu

DAY 2 - ADDICTION

You may have a history of well-known addictions in your life like myself, or maybe your screen time statistics, internet history, and coffee receipts would reveal addictions you never realized you had. Either way, the natural tendencies of addiction are probably more prevalent in your life, and the lives of those around you than you realize.

“I have the right to do anything,” —but not everything is beneficial... I will not be mastered by anything.”

- 1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭

I can do ANYTHING?! Yes, you can! Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fully paid for the debts for our past, present, and future sins- even the sin of addiction. However, Paul immediately follows up the permission with this meaningful caution: not everything is beneficial!

Truth #1: Jesus offers freedom from the cost of sin, but not freedom from the consequences of it. 

For example, someone with a functional addiction to porn, alcohol, and social media attention can still receive God’s grace and eternal salvation, but they may not escape the physical consequences of a broken marriage, shallow relationships, and emotional instability.

Truth #2: You are either in control or being controlled.

There is nothing inherently wrong with using Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, etc. The question is are YOU controlling IT, or is IT controlling YOU? If your emotions change depending on how many likes you get, or if you can’t go 10 minutes without impulsively checking your notifications, there’s a chance you aren’t the one in control! I spent years in these addictions, so I know the struggle first hand. 

But don’t lose hope! The 3rd solid truth comes from this scripture:

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

- Romans 6:22

Truth #3: Victory is found in Jesus!

God doesn’t want you to obey His rules so that you live a boring life! On the contrary, God desires obedience so that He can lead you into new territories of freedom you have yet to explore! 

If you’re struggling with addiction, don’t fight alone. Plug into a local church, recovery groups, and mentors that you can trust for accountability, encouragement, and prayer.

Addiction or not, we all must lean on Jesus alone as our source of hope thru the many battles of life. 

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

- Psalms‬ ‭31:24‬