apostolicdevotional

There is addiction and then there is addiction. Generally, people today perceive the topic from two different viewpoints. Some individuals see addiction as a threat to healthy living. It is something that takes over and engulfs you and carries you to a place and time ın which every thing except one, the source of the addiction, is miles away and unfamiliar. These folks have been there and know what it’s actually like to be in that place.

Other folks see addiction as trivial. Addiction is insignificant, unimportant, a state of mind we can easily choose to relinquish at any time we want. Addiction, as well as getting out of it, is really a choice, they say.

However it is not that simple, and not that easy. Particularly when addiction is such a strong and persistent problem that even the Bible verses had something to say on the subject. Indeed, addiction is discussed within the Bible scriptures, across different editions of the Bible. It may well even be discussed in other scriptures besides the Bible. Thing is, addiction seemed to be recognized as a serious issue for Man even some hundreds or thousands of year ago, very well before our own time, and it continues to be a social and cultural barrier to positive growth even today. There is no doubt that there is more to addiction than simply being a simple state of mind.

This is a Bible verse about addiction taken from (1 Cor. 6:9-11):

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

The expression “drunkard” could include any type of addiction. The truth is, it’s widely accepted that the expression was used specifically to make reference to addiction. God commanded He would receive no one in His kingdom who’s dependent on earthly things. Nevertheless He offers salvation to those people who are “sanctified” and “justified” in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Bible verses also say about addiction:

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

However addiction, regardless of the kind, is indeed a choice. It won’t disappear right away, however it is a surmountable obstacle. The very first trick to overcoming an addiction is to accept it for what it is: a mere obstacle. And sometimes it is only by hitting rock bottom can the addict expect to have true change.

It is very much possible to redeem yourself after suffering through an addiction. Authors Ernest Hemingway and Raymond Carver used to be dependent on drinking, while