Are there some addictive areas in your life that you just can’t shake? “Pastor, I’m not an addict!” Most of the time we think of real addictions like alcohol or drugs when the word “addict” is used but you can be addicted to numerous damaging things. God can set you free from bad habits and destructive cycles. Whether you are addicted wrongly to a relationship or substance, technology, nothing is too big for God! The choice is yours – you can either deal with it or continue to let it rob from your life. Proverbs 28:13 says if we hide our sin we will not prosper. We must confess our sins to the Lord. John 8:31-35 tell us we must abide in His Word, know the truth, and it will set us free. God’s Word can set you free from any addiction! Why not let Jesus help you today?

Sometimes we don’t really want to change. We just want the consequences of our actions to change. To stop the wrong consequences you must stop the wrong action. You have to cut off the root to stop the bad fruit! How do you know you are addicted? First, it becomes who you are – your identity. You are known for it. Secondly, you feel hopeless when you can’t quit. You also feel threatened when someone talks to you about it or feel like you may lose it. If you start losing relationships, health, or possessions because of it then you may be addicted to it. Another indicator is you run to it when stress comes to “get your next fix”. Here is a question? What is mastering you? Does it consume you? Do your friends and family say you have a problem? Do you justify and argue with others about it? Are you working real hard to keep it a secret? Could you go one week without it? Then you may have a harmful pattern or addiction in your life you need to break.

In Romans 7 Paul struggled and didn’t want to do some of the things he did and desired to do things he just wasn’t doing. He knew it was the sin that dwelt within him. In verse 24 he said he was a wretched man and asked who could deliver and set him free. Verse 25 gives us the hope and answer – Jesus sets you free. Jesus can set you free but you have to give Him something to work with. So, where do you start? Maybe you’ve tried everything it seems and just can’t get free. Have you tried Jesus? Have you let Him change your life?

First, you must stop the excuses. Admit it and quit it! Philippians 4:13 says you can do all things through Christ that gives you strength. Don’t say you’ll start tomorrow or when you get more time, money, help, etc. Start today! Secondly, you must cut some bad ties in your life. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 tell us bad company corrupts good habits. There are some people in your life that will continue dragging you down and burying you in this bad habit. You must also fill the void in your life with the things of Christ.   Ephesians 5:18 says be filled with the Spirit. You must also become accountable to someone. Don’t try and do this alone! James 5:16 says confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed!

If you think you’ll never get free and you are too weak remember these words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.