Addiction, what’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word addiction? I bet it’s of someone who uses drugs, or perhaps someone who can’t live without alcohol. Well you wouldn’t be wrong in your assumption, yet these aren’t the only substances that people get addicted to. The truth is, we are all addicted to something.
Addiction doesn’t just affect those who are weak and vulnerable, it affects us all. Whether you are homeless, or a successful businessman, you are susceptible to addiction. Addiction takes many shapes and forms, the obvious substances we know of are drugs and alcohol, as I have already mentioned, but what about your cellphone, TV, or even the Internet? Is it possible to get addicted to those to?
Yes!
In fact it’s quite easy! How often do you go out for a meal and look around and see everyone sitting on their phones. It doesn’t matter who they are, or who they are with, their phone is the centre of attention. Maybe it’s not technology, maybe it’s sport? I know a few people who would rather miss the birth of their child than miss their favourite soccer teams game, I know that may sound extreme, but it’s the truth. We are all addicted to something; an addict is an addict no matter the substance.
But is that it, are we doomed to be addicts our whole lives? And what’s wrong with being an addict if it doesn’t hurt anyone?
The problem is that addiction IS hurting someone… YOU!
We become addicted to substances because there is a lack in our lives, we use these substances to fill the void. They become our crutch and eventually we can’t live without them. But the problem is that no matter how much we take, that substance will never be able to fill the gaping hole that we have. Just like a square won’t fit into a circle, these substances can’t fill that gap. In fact the more we use, the bigger that hole gets and the more in need we become.
But just like any hole, there is always something that can be used to close it up. And in the case of us as humans, we were all made with this same shaped hole. It’s a hole that can only be filled by the love of God.
We can try our whole lives to fill it with “things” but we will only ever find true satisfaction when we fill it with what it was designed for. Instead of giving life, addiction robs us of it, that’s why we need God, because HE gives us life!
So choose to search after him, become addicted to finding out his heart and plan for your life. Jesus doesn’t see you as an addict, but rather as a Son and Daughter, whom he loves and wants to have a relationship with. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, and I know it’s a journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Know that there is hope and freedom, and that it’s fully available to you, in Jesus.
If you are struggling with any form of addiction and would like someone to chat to, we would love to hear from you.