The goal of this series of devotions is to provide a panoramic view of Christianity. We are introducing, but certainly not encapsulating, a host of issues that face those who have spiritually bent their knee to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Some of these will discuss special language, like “covenant” or church experiences like “Communion.” Others, like this one, bring the need for behavioral changes into view… Christians aren’t supposed to steal or lie or cheat or be sexually immoral.
Today, I’d like to bring up a matter that those who are serious about serving Jesus Christ must confront sooner or later… preferably sooner. Christians are called upon to break addictions. To say that Jesus is Lord and, yet, to struggle with impulse control over any number of destructive behavioral patterns or life controlling substances creates an innate tension. How can I be Christ’s and become the person He wants me to be and do the work He wants me to do if my first love or first obedience is to life destroying and family destroying addictions?
The “science” of addiction is in constant flux, being heavily influenced at times by philosophical commitments to excuse destructive behaviors by casting addicts as victims of disease rather than as people who are morally or ethically compromised or as those lacking discipline. Whatever the cause, it behooves Christians to break addictions so that it is they themselves and not some substance or “thrill” that controls their lives as they strive to walk in obedience to Jesus Christ.
I’d like to address a few points here.
First, the very nature of the way God made our brains leaves us susceptible to behavioral “addictions.” The brain rewards us for certain types of “social” behaviors by creating chemicals that make us feel good. It can, however, be tricked into rewarding us for anti-social behaviors that look to the brain like socially advantageous behaviors. Whereas I was rewarded with dopamine by my brain in my youth for shoveling my elderly neighbor’s driveway after a snow storm, today I can get the same kick from earning a hundred digital gold coins from Wordscapes for doing nothing more than being “awesome” with words. The clink of those glistening beauties as they fly into my treasure chest and make the numbers climb gets me every time and convinces me that no matter what my wife thinks, that was an hour well spent.
Second, some are more prone to compulsive behaviors than others. This is not an excuse, but it should generate some empathy. Growing up, my mother warned me and my siblings that we came from a long line of addicts and compulsive bad boys, and that we needed to be careful what footholds we gave the Devil. I took heed, and have, thus far, remained free from the typical list of life destroying addictions like smoking (Stinky), drugs (Can’t stand being mentally diminished), alcohol (Yuck), gambling (I’m too cheap) and wanton sexuality (Tie me to the mast on this one!!!).[1] I am keenly aware, however, that an addict lives in my skin just waiting for me to slip up… for me to give him an opportunity.
Me? McDonald’s breakfasts will be the end of me, and Dr. Pepper has a Ph.D. in deliciousness!
Third, context is king. Unless it is a particular point of pride for the dying,[2] those late stage days of cancer agony is not necessarily the time to ride the high horse on pain meds and addiction fears. As one who has had major surgeries, real severe pain needs attention. There are many treatments for chronic pain that don’t involve addictive substances, however, and we should always be wary of our propensity to addiction.
Fourth, some addictions are more destructive than others, but we should still take heed of the very idea of compulsive and addictive behaviors. Smoking is less damaging than Heroine, for instance, but it can still kill you and make you smell bad. Shopping binges may not ruin your marriage like drunkenness can, but it can still ruin your finances and diminish your ability and willingness to be generous with the money over which God has made you a steward.
And let’s be honest, a coffee addiction denied will make you cranky, maybe leave you a little sleepy, and give you a big headache. It’s not likely going to have you robbing strangers, however, or selling off the family TV to get yourself a fix. And let’s not forget that it smells awesome and has the best memes on Facebook. So, you’ll have to judge its impact on your life and effectiveness for yourself.
Other seemingly innocent behaviors need to be monitored for the impact that they have on our ability to be the people God wants us to be… especially with our families. Technology addictions, video games, and uncontrollable TV binging can easily rob us of healthy social interactions. Junk food can make us fat (trust me) and diminish both the time and the quality of the time that we have with loved ones.
Scott Adams ran a powerfully insightful comic strip, where Dilbert asks Dogbert, “You know that good feeling that you get when you first put a Q-tip in your ear? Can I really enjoy it, or is it a sin?” Dogbert says, “I think it’s okay.” Dilbert says, “Good, because I used a whole box yesterday.” And there it is. Anything that controls us or diminishes us in our usefulness to our families or Jesus Christ needs attention… even if it’s something cool like hunting or fishing.
You don’t answer to me, but you should answer to Christ. Examine yourself, therefore, and, if need be, make a list of the things that you need to address. Ask God to bring conviction where wisdom is needed, and seek His help in setting yourself free for His service.
~Andrew D. Sargent, Ph.D.
[1] It ruins a joke to explain it, but here we go. In Ulysses, Odysseus has himself tied to the mast of his ship so he can sail through the dangerous territory of the Sirens who lure men to their deaths with their seductive song.
[2] I fear the idea that in some altered state as I lay dying I might embarrass myself and disparage my witness. Then I remember too, that tormenting pain can also drive a person to indecent words and acts.
