Overcoming Addiction

Let's face it, we have problems. While each person may have a specific struggle, we are all tempted by our own desires (James 1:13ff). We can only blame ourselves for our sins. But the good news is that sin and temptation can be defeated.

Wayne Jackson (www.christiancourier.com) wrote recently about how to overcome a certain sexual addiction. He laid down the following solution principles, that can really work for addictions of any kind:

Solutions

There are several things that honest souls need to know, and work seriously on, if they would overcome this problem, or any similar one, and live pure in the sight of Almighty God.

(1) They must cultivate a love for God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Love is the motivating power behind faith and obedience (Galatians 5:6). You can only do this by immersing yourself in the Scriptures and coming to appreciate their authority and value in your personal life. When Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1ff), he appealed to “it is written” as his shield.

(2) Study a wealth of Bible texts on self-control, temperance, etc. A good concordance, e.g., Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, can provide a list of passages relating to these topics. A comprehensive Bible dictionary, or a dictionary of Bible theology, can be very helpful on these themes as well.

(3) Become convinced that you really can do all things in him who is able and willing to “strengthen” (the idea of putting power into something) you (Philippians 4:13). Develop confidence in the Lord by coming close to him through the study of his Word every day.

(4) Talk to God in prayer. Plead with him to help you overcome this weakness. He loves you and wants to assist you and lift you out of spiritual slavery.

(5) Find a Christian friend (perhaps an elder, deacon, or minister), or a parent with whom you may confidentially talk. Confess your weakness and ask for encouragement as you fight the battle. Friendly confidants can be a powerful and wonderful source of strength.

Everybody has that one thing that is keeping them from wholly serving God and enjoying spiritual peace and hope. Jesus came to remove each and every problem from our lives. But we have to make the decision to follow Him. We must put our trust in Him by whom all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.'" ~ Mark 10:21