To The Addict - Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

    I have chosen this verse from Paul’s letter to the Philippians to stress the fact that it is Christ and Christ alone who can rescue us from our personal demons. It matters not what the addiction is. Whether it is smoking, drinking, gambling, pornography, drugs, or any of a plethora of other fixations; Christ almighty can put an end to all such worldly pitfalls.
    Now I know that many an addict or an addict’s loved ones will object and say, “Then why haven’t my prayers been answered?” With such a question many doors are likely to be opened; some of which might better be left closed. But I can and will remain steadfastly convinced of the power of Jesus Christ to conquer any addiction known to man. The problem lies not in Christ but within us. Far too often we seek a human solution to a spiritual problem. Remember: from the Christian perspective we are dealing with man’s sinful nature and we simply cannot cure ourselves. Only God has the panacea for what ails us; after all, how can we save ourselves from ourselves?
    Far too many cases of addiction are excused by or enabled by the notion that “this particular addiction is different from all others. No one can understand or imagine what I (or my loved one) is going through.” Not true!  “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13.
    Addictions are nothing more than temptations we have succumbed to. We weren’t born with cigarettes in our mouths any more than we were born with needles in our arms. Clearly,  it is when we choose to associate with people or when we choose to frequent those places which present us with the greatest temptations that we fall. “Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?” - Proverbs 6:27.
    We are warned and warned again against allowing the devil to have his way with us. The Apostle, Peter, a man with his own shortcomings, warns us about maintaining our sobriety and the danger of allowing the devil an inroad - “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” - 1 Peter5:8.
    Still, you cry out, “How? How can I fight and beat this sickness? I have tried everything!” Have you? Do you remember the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ? “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” - Matthew 5:30. Christ isn’t literally commanding us to maim ourselves but what He is saying is that you have got to take this addiction seriously. Whatever is leading to your continued addiction has to go! Leave your job; leave your friends; leave your family! Whatever and whoever is helping keep you a slave to your addiction has to go! “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7. If you are focused on your feeding your addiction then you aren’t focused on Christ Jesus.
     Whenever I look at someone who remains in addiction, I think, “You are where you are at because you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ. If you had, you wouldn’t be an addict!” You may object to that concept all you like; nonetheless, it remains true. Seek Jesus Christ not only as your Savior but as your Lord! Unfortunately, the number of people who want Jesus as their Savior will always be greater than the number of people who want Him as their Lord. We cannot pick and choose the attributes of God!
    Twelve steps haven’t helped? Try the most effective three step program available: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Where the famous “12 Step program” fails, the Holy Trinity succeeds.
    So there are three things that every addict must take into consideration and hold close to his or her heart if they truly want freedom from the slavery of addiction - “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” - 1 Corinthians 3:16. You were made by God for God.
      Secondly, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” - Psalm 50:15. The lost cannot save the lost. The dead cannot raise themselves. Where man fails, God triumphs.
    And finally, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” - Galatians 5:1. Get all those things which bind you to your slavery behind you and never look back to your sins; look forward to the glory of God.
    Remember, remember first and foremost that we are children of God. Before anything else - we are children of God and He has promised us - “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” - Matthew 7:7-8.