IS THE BODY OF CHRIST CRIPPLED? CRIPPLED BY ADDICTION, IDOLATRY, OBSESSION?

Are we crippled? In bondage to our addictions? I believe so.

But we cannot hang onto our vices any longer, our addictions: alcohol, drugs, pills, porn, media (FB, YouTube, etc.), movies, t.v., games, activities, money, shopping, illicit sex, cigarettes or even work. The list can go on and on.

For this leaves us in bondage, slaves to our body, the ruler of this world, and to the world’s standards and morals.

Doing what you want,

Doing what you think is right,
Is not always what is best for you.

You think you have freedom-

But you are a slave.
Just try to stop those vices and see what happens, how you feel.
Don’t pick up your phone, your remote, that glass,
that ___fill in the blank__. And you will see the hold it has on you.

Obsessions are bondage & idolatry.

Possessions can enslave & burden.

Freedom in Christ is rising above your flesh.

Yet your thoughts are full of lust, lust for pleasure.
There is a battle for your attention, time, and affection.

The enemy is winning when you give into these

vices, obsessions, addictions.

When tangled up drunk, high, hungover, glued to a screen –

How are you able to fulfill:

1.      The Greatest Commandments?

2.      The Great Commission?

Be honest with yourself & God.

Answer the question….you simply can’t.

Your obsessions are robbing your life of the time, money, and energy that God intends to be poured out to: HIM, YOUR FAMILY, AND OTHERS! (Also known as: The Greatest Commandments: Love God & Love others!)

Your possessiveness over your life, time, money, and energy prevents you from being led by the Spirit to carry out the Great Commission! (AKA: Preach the Gospel to all the tribes and nations (people)!)

How often do you examine yourself, your life, your schedule, your bank statement, or your relationships?

When we examine ourselves,

We must be honest with ourselves.

Many avoid this self-reflection because it often requires change.

The Bible calls it REPENTANCE.

It’s the most freeing thing you can do for yourself.

Repent of those addictions, obsessions, and unhealthy behaviors.

The Lord calls you to:

Love Him, your God with all your heart, soul, and might.

 

So who or what will you repent of, lay down, or run from in order to do Love God first?

Let Jesus Christ be the One Lord in your life so that you can experience His Presence, His Spirit, His Leading, and His Peace.

In doing so, you will have the passion, excitement, boldness, desire to fulfill God's will for your life and you will overflow with ambition to share the Good News of Salvation!

**** I write this as a person who once was so entangled in my own addictions, many of the ones listed above. And I found freedom in Christ. If you would like to hear about my testimony, email me at promojen@gmail.com.