What the Holy Bible says about Addiction:
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6: 24)
2 “I am the Lord your God…3 “You shall have no other gods before me… 5 … for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20 2-5)
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 37-40)
Something to Consider:
Addictions come in a variety of shapes and sizes but they all have this one thing in common:
The addiction becomes the most important thing in your life
When you are actively engaged in an addiction, the addiction is in control of you and your life. Your world begins to center around the addiction and getting it met. You spend a lot of time thinking about it, engaging in it, or making plans for how to get it. You are likely to find yourself doing things that you normally wouldn’t do (e.g. lying, arguing, raging, cheating, stealing) in order to meet that all-consuming need. Whether or not you realize it, the addiction becomes your “god.”
Addiction:
- impacts and eventually destroys relationships
- impacts social, occupational, and/or recreational activities
- can contribute to anxiety and depression
- can result in legal issues
- can result in financial issues
- can result in mental health issues
- can result in physical health issues
Almost anything can become an addiction. Examples of potential addictions include:
- alcohol, drugs, tobacco, caffeine, pornography, sex, food, work
Addictions are usually an indication that vital things are missing: adequate coping skills, healthy supports, and a close relationship with God.
If you or someone you know is imprisoned by an addiction, please get help. You don’t have to do this alone. For your convenience, lists of Christian and secular resources are listed on our Resources page.
For additional information about Addiction, take a look at the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services website: www.samhsa.gov/treatment/index.aspx.