Would I like it? Addictions start here. Then, in small steps, desire becomes necessity. There is no recognized definition of addiction, but most of the definitions offered share a common core. Addictions are compulsive searches for a desired object or mental state that generally do not respond to the inevitable harmful consequences of such compulsive searches. Most definitions also include how addictive behaviors alter underlying brain patterns.
Every fall in an addiction is unique. There are thousands of ways to fall into this slavery, however, there are general observations that can help us understand and be more adept at helping addicts.
- Do addicts usually seek a modified physical experience? The faster and more intense.
- The better.
- Thus.
- Stimulants.
- Cocaine.
- Narcotics.
- Opioids.
- Sedatives and alcohol are popular.
- Food.
- Especially comforting ? are on the list.
- But do not have the efficacy or intensity of prescribed or illegal substances.
Sex produces one of the most powerful sensory experiences and, as such, has continued throughout human history and caused many tragedies for both addicts and those who love them, as it is easily accessible in person, in print and digital form. , all things related to sex remain important temptations of dependence.
Social media and video games are the ultimate objects of desire, but they can be so exhausting that elementary schools already sponsor weeks in which children voluntarily disconnect from screens for a time. Social media has power through its promise of social connection and being? Instead of “off. ” Video games offer some social power and the opportunity to spend more time in an alternate universe, social networks and video games provide the brain with neurological stimulation that goes beyond what can be experienced in ordinary conversation or in a good book.
Though the frantic human heart still shouts, “Do I want to?And “I want more,” addictions are more important in some cultures than in others. To maximize our vicious potential as human beings, a culture must focus on individual freedom and personal satisfaction and the most common addictive substances should be readily available. Free time is an opportunity. In this scenario, addictions will flourish and multiply.
These are well-known general observations that do not depend on a particular revelation. There are other observations that are only available through the prism of the scriptures.
The most essential vision of the scriptures about addictions is that addictions concern God. Substances that cause addiction become “shelter and strength, an aid very present in tribulations” (Salt 46:1). While it is common for discussions about addictions to turn to spirituality, such discussions generally do not speak of trust in the one true God, and do not always reflect the fact that addictive decisions concern God. While popular addiction literature recognizes the need for amendment, it never recognizes repentance before the Lord. The divine nature of addiction is well presented in the biblical account of idolatry. Here you will find rebellious human desire and more.
First, circumstances are important in idolatry (addiction). The historical root comes from the exodus from Egypt. To use the image of Joo Calvino, the human heart is a perpetual forge of idols that needs no provocation to do its job, but periods of uncertainty and anguish provide the ideal warmth, that is, we can usually identify trials and temptations. preceding blatant idolatry. In the desert, people had little food and water, the prospect of death for all, and a leader who was isolated on a mountain with God and could not be reached. Such a scenario led to the Israelites committing idolatry. .
The most common among the trials and temptations identified in modern addictions is that some people are prone to addictions, and this bond is still entangled by addiction itself. The scriptures do not oppose this idea, especially when the connection is seen as a contribution and not an irresistible cause but, as expected, the scriptures add more.
The scriptures add the? The world? As another influence on addictions. This includes ways in which culture, friends, the media, teachers, or parents can contribute to addictions. Let’s take the example of those who grow up in a neighborhood where the most respected people are drug dealers. Or consider the influence of a home where pornography is available and acceptable. These are temptations that most people can resist. Most of the time, however, the power of the world does not grab us by the neck, but exerts its influence through informal conversations that suggest that the good life is in accordance with our desires.
The scriptures also include the difficulties of life as a provocation to addictions, and here we are particularly close to the history of the desert: life is hard and full of problems. Almost every moment is a reminder that something is distorted in our world. In response, we’re looking for relief. The only possible places of refuge are God Himself or something from his creation. Addicts are targeting creation, not creator.
When you consider these difficulties in caring for an addict, you often discover victimization, rejection, shame, and so many other punishments. As a result, their conversations should focus more on God’s comfort and affection for the less fortunate and less on the relationship with the less fortunate. the addictive substance.
Addictions, at least at first, have their reasons. Is this a way of managing life, sometimes a very difficult life, in its own way?Those who are willing to help and are wiser delve into the details of the story that helped cause addiction in a person.
According to idolatry (addiction), it’s about desire. The Old Testament focuses on the worship of true idols, while the New Testament emphasizes the underlying desires of idolatry. We are people of desire, love and disgust. Our desires can be good or idyllic and even natural. For example, should we desire or desire to love God above all (Deut 6. 5)?it’s the best wish. We are inclined to want what others have, which is an avid or odolate desire. And was the people of God informed that in the promised land they could eat whatever they wanted (Dt 12:20)?A natural desire.
Idylather desires usually come from a seed of desire that is natural and appropriate when kept under control. These desires may include proper finances, health, obedient children, inclusion, pleasure, rest, and justice. The main one? Intuition? From Scripture is that these normal and even good desires tend to grow (Jacq 1:15); As soon as they gain strength, they fight us like an untied giant that is never satisfied (Ephesians 4:19; Pv 4, 1). ). Whenever our desires deviate from God, our hearts will be less satisfied.
This shift from the attention of true idols to the underlying desires immediately leads us to the trap of idolatry. Before considering the idolatry of the drugs, sex and alcohol that most attract attention, the scriptures remind us of people’s daily idols and money. respect and approval of others (Pv 29:25), and we are obsessed with personal income (Mt 6:24). Many of the most heinous idolatry is based on these two objects of worship.
Those who help and are wiser know that they themselves are inclined to godly desires and that, like drug addicts, they submit to this rich teaching about desire and remedy.
Third, the practice of idolatry (addiction) is slavery and tragedy. Over time, the idylathers assume the characteristics of the object they love. As such, the idylathers become increasingly empty, because they imitate something that has no life; they lie because what they follow makes promises, but does not keep them (Is 44:20), and life becomes tragedy (Pr 23 29-35). What is not evident is the source of the object’s power, as it is just a stone or a wooden log. Behind the chest, however, there is a world of leaders and authorities who are in cahoots with the devil. Apparently, the devil is happy to be worshipped by power.
Drug addiction is therefore voluntary slavery. Addicts make decisions, they’re in control. They are attached to the way they handle life, but also enslaved and uncontrolled, dominated by the triumvirate of the world, flesh and devil, so addiction specialists do not expect someone to get to the bottom just to intervene, because there is no background that brings clarity or empowers a slave and an uncontrolled person.
Fourth, deliverance from idolatry (addiction) began in Jesus’ ministry and continues as we trust him, discover the many blessings of the cross and resurrection, and receive the Spirit of Jesus. God began to save his people from idolatry in Eden. This work, however, became unmistakable when Jesus went into the wilderness on our behalf and trusted his Father in the midst of the most terrible trials and temptations. Then, as a perfect substitute through active and passive obedience, he endured the punishment of the law, ascended to lead us to the Father, and gave us the Holy Spirit of power. Now we can in Christ fight the old slaveholders instead of succumbing to the inevitable. The battle seems to move in small steps, and the attraction of the old gods may be felt for longer than we would like, but with the fellowship of the church of Christ, we fix our eyes on Jesus and continue to meet him until we can say with the psalmist: “There is none other that rejoices on earth. ” (Ps 73,25), and our friends are blessed and can say: “Leaving idols, you turn to God, to serve the living and true God. ” (1T 1. 9).
God’s people have received God’s words, these words open our eyes so that we can see how we still forge idols of all kinds, and these words direct us to Jesus, to whom we can proclaim ourselves patiently and kindly and to know God. who speaks the truth and gives life in abundance.