The one who practices sin [separating himself from God, and offending Him by acts of disobedience, indifference, or rebellion] is of the devil [and takes his inner character and moral values from him, not God]; for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8, AMP)
Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy. This is the good news we have as believers. Addictive behavior roots from a pattern we programme on our mind. Then it becomes something we do, sometimes, unconsciously. We may not even realize how it affects or hurts people around us, especially when all we care about is satisfying that short term desire. For instance a spouse who cheats on the other cares more about how to satisfy his/her sexual desires than how the other feels. It hurts God too that is why Jesus came to pave a way for us to be free.
As stated in Day 1, it’s not just about more sugar, smoke, caffeine, sex, drug, etc but it’s about looking at the broader picture; how the enemy wants to destroy your special gifts, talents, purpose, strength, and/or your body.
God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. (1 Cor 3:17, NLT)
- 3 Remedies to Consider in dealing with Addiction:
- Commit to Prayer:
- The first step is to commit to prayer and fasting. This is a battle between the Spirit and the Flesh. In effect, the more you feed the spirit, the more you subdue the flesh and its desires.
- Prayer is one way to grow spiritually. Talk God about the struggle you face with the habit(s) and let him know your willingness to change. He will answer your request and give you more strength to win.
- Fasting will help you discipline the body and it’s very good spiritual exercise
- Commit to His Word:
- The Psalmist said “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, NLT) Get to know the Word and what it says about your situation. Always remember that The Word will help you to win when the tempter comes.
- Study the word daily and read more materials that will help you grow deeper in His Word. The more you study, the clearer you begin to see answers to your challenge
- Guard your Thought:
- Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. (Ephesians 4:27, AMPC)
- Every behavior starts with a thought. yeah! some small voice that prompt you that it’s time.
- This thought becomes a foothold for the enemy to act. But as you pray and study God’s word, pray that the Holy Spirit helps you change you into a new person by changing the way you think.
- A quick way to deal with negative thought is to replace with a good one. Therefore when the nudge comes, quickly run to the Word and direct the feeling to something positive.
Handle One day at a Time:
Do your Best each day and keep track of your progress. If you slip along the road, don’t give up. Maintain your composure and move forward. At the end of the day, it’s not about how many times you fell but about how you successfully finished your race. You can be Free. It’s just a decision away. Maybe I can help, why not send mail; upliftingchrist@gmail.com
Uplifting Christ 