To often in our world today, when man hears the word addiction they only think of drugs and alcohol. This is a sad misconception. Why Sad? Because there are so many other addictions holding mankind in bondage.  Addiction: the fact or condition of being addicted – dependent on a particular substance, thing, thought, or activity.

This is a truth in all cultures, religions, men, women, and even children more and more are becoming slaves to some form of addiction.  Texting, exercise, food, TV, laziness, gossiping, complaining, one another, vanity (seeking praise yourself ), gotta have what the Joneses have (even when you can’t afford it). Did you know 80% of people in America over 18 years old have Credit Card debt of over $2,500. (at least) And that is just America and does not include the debt of homes, cars, loans, etc. This is due to addictions.

Food is definitely an addiction issue. The obesity rate proves that. One way I can prove that:  Tell me it isn’t true that one of the 1st things out of people’s mouths when they say, ” let’s get together and do something”.  That something is go eat somewhere and 8 x out of 10,  it is not a healthy place. Will you eat in moderation in the holidays or eat till you are so ill you can hardly get up?   Did you know you will enjoy the Holidays even more if you use some restraint and do some fun activities with those you love instead of eat, drink, eat, and sit down. (or in some cases fall down)  hmmmmm

Many of us are addicted to work, working 50-60 hrs a week and barely spending time with family and friends. Not sleeping well, too often stressing to the point of health issues..all behind work.  Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying we shouldn’t enjoy a meal together, or love your job and work hard. A friend and I were talking the other day and she said ” I traded my addiction to drugs/alcohol for work – at least now I am getting paid” And I agreed with her, as I did that replacement in my life too. And Yes, it is Great to replace drugs/alcohol with a productive work life and to get paid so you can Live and be responsible in this life. However, we must have balance in this too or this too will take us down. Mentally, spiritually, and physically. As it says in 1 Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.  Same with exercise, quote healthy foods, and the internet/texting/TV and so on, and so on.  I am by no means saying you must avoid these things, no not at all. But, I am saying, it is not loving yourself or others to be enslaved in bondage to one or all of these things. Too much of anything is not a good thing.  “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” – 1 Corinthians 9:2  The mastery being to walk in Love toward yourself and others. Better said from the Word: ” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23   Being good to yourself and others is not being full of anxiety due to a thing, consumed where you can’t enjoy life, bound up to point you become obsessive and ill. Instead, Moderation avoids extremes, exercises restraint, and is related to self-control.  Philippians 4:5  “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand…”  unfortunately, living a life of moderation is an uphill battle in today’s world. Especially, since in today’s world so many are living in the delusions of obsession and are Ok with it until, they collapse that is.   I felt like I was at that point just last month. I did a review of my daily life and God showed me I was way out of balance. (again – augh!) I had allowed work to put me in what felt like chains. In the overload the stress lead me to grumbling and complaining (which is not my true nature) then those feelings led to tears and I found myself trying escape from constantly living and breathing work by watching mindless TV programs. All this only resulted in raising my blood pressure, headaches (which I seldom have) and just wanting to go to bed.  Then the Holy Spirit tapped me while reading His Word giving me eyes to see and ears to hear myself.  You see I was seeking Jesus and had even allowed my obsession to blind me to the point I couldn’t see or hear. Praise God, once again He did not give up on knocking at the door of my heart.  It was then I realized addiction is addiction and is NOT in any form a good thing.  Praise God he led me to the verses in Ecclesiastes 3: To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven….read on thru verse 8.   And Hallelujah, off we go into 2019 breaking Free and moving on into the Season He planned for me.

What’s my point in all this?  Well, what else God showed me is too many in the world are in the same place I was so, I wanted to share this in hopes you will Dig deep, see what you may be a slave to & that you might seek Him and be set free too.  Smile

May the New Year bring you Love within and may you share that Love.

As it is in Love we can all find the keys to be set Free!   Shalom!