Bender Bylines "What Is Addiction"

What Is Addiction

We all have a picture in our minds of what addiction is. This word is abused and one of the most misleading words in our society today. We tend to think of the worse. We do this all the time to make ourselves feel "better than" the other person. We do this with "hate" at least I never killed someone. I never hated someone that bad. Than again, we truly do not know what we are capable of giving the right circumstances.

Today I am talking about addiction. With my personal battle and experience I bring to the table a perspective that is not all that popular yet one I believe in fully. I believe that addiction has its root in every person's heart. Each human being was created to have a heart of worship. This worship was design by a God who understood what true worship is supposed to be. Yet, as we do with so many things we tend to abuse everything that was made good and pure. Take our planet for one simple example.

Lust

The word “lust” in Scripture is the Greek word (ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah). The word, in and of itself, is a neutral word; neither positive or negative. The context of the passage determines whether it’s translated in a negative way (“lust”) or a positive or neutral way (“desire”).For Example, in I John 2:15-17 "15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." The reference is to that which “…is not from the Father…”. In this context the word “lust” is used.

On the other hand, using the very same Greek word, Jesus said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer…” (also see Phil. 1:23 & I Thes. 2:17). The word Lust in Webster is 1. Passionate or overmastering desire. 2. sexual desire or appetite. We are created in Gods image. I believe that we have similar emotions/feelings as God does. We have heard about the passion of Christ.Why did Jesus come to earth and die a horrid death. He did it with such great Passion, desire, and overmastering desire to accomplish what he set out to do. Jesus had this driving force within him. We also have this force with in us yet when we use it for negative means we call it lust! We lust after the wrong things. This lust is a force that overpowers even us and eventually becomes more and more evil. Yet God intended us to have this "passion" for Him. This is the true form of Lust/Desire.

Three links I encourage you to follow that will help you understand the association of addiction, lust, passion and sin. First see "Addict to disciple" and watch the beginning of the video. Dr. David Hain who is an addictions counselor explains that addiction is engaging impulsive or compulsive behavior. Second, see Life Gate this is a teaching entitled "Adventure In Addictions". Thirdly, there is a great book that explains about addiction as a worship disorder. written by Edward T. Welch.

As you ponder this, perhaps, new idea you can begin to understand how Jesus was addicted to love us. His great passion or lust compelled him to do exactly what he did on the cross. His behavior could even be liken to compulsiveness or an overpowering urge. I challenge you to look into your own heart and examine yourself to see what drives you. What motivates you to do the things you do. We all worship something. It could be wealth, power, prestige, fame, or a host of other things. When Love is our motivating force we will do some pretty astounding things.

Condemning those who are caught up with drugs and alcohol is our society's way to say "at least I'm not like that" but in our own way we do get high off of feelings of anger, love of money, success, things,and so many more. Next time you see an "Addict" remember how we were all made in God's image with a purpose to serve God. Than ask yourself "What or who am I worshiping", when you can honestly answer this question with a positive "GOD" than instead of condemning you will be loving those who struggle with infirmities among us!

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