Breaking Addictions: Defining Addiction

photo courtesy blog.thoughtpick.com

But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).    Romans 13:14 (Amplified Bible)

I am continuing my series on strategies that the enemy uses called Devices of the Enemy.  In this part of the series, I want to specifically discuss the tactic of addiction.  This post will not delve into any solution, it is simply to define what the problem and tactic is.

People talk about addictions as though they are horrible sins.  “That guy is addicted to… alcohol.”  Or, “That lady is a druggie.  What a waste.”  It could even be, “What’s wrong with that guy?  Why can’t he get his life together?  Life isn’t all about _________.”

Addiction.  Addiction.

We label people and look down on them.  We stereotype them into categories.  But really, the real issue that we first need to address is–what is an addiction?

Next week: Breaking The Cycle Of Addictions

 

photo courtesy: helpforinternectaddictions.com

 

Next week, I’ll be dealing with a subject that is a little close to home for people: addictions.  The dangerous issue with addictions is that everyone has them–but some are more “socially acceptable.”

For example, if you have an addiction to food, that is socially acceptable.  You may be overweight because of it.   You could even struggle with health issues or be suicidal because of it.  But, no one will probably say anything to you about it.

However, if you have an addiction to people of the same-sex, pornography, or drugs, then people will say something to you about these.  These are not “socially acceptable” addictions.

The real issue is a matter of control.  Who is in control?