Vital signs- Wednesday, February 23rd, 2021

For me, addiction looked like porn. I was exposed at a young age and felt stuck. Whether it’s some kind of sex-addiction, substance abuse, digital distraction, obsessive hobbies, fits of anger, overworking, or anything that steals from our lives—most of us have a history with addiction and distraction.

At some point, I decided I’d be stuck the rest of my life. But Jesus came to give us life to the full. Freedom was and is not immediate. It’s a long fight with many steps, and it starts like this. 

First, We up the root. Addiction is often a symptom of something deeper. For me, it was a lack of validation. I felt I wasn’t enough for God, my wife, my family, or my dreams. Addiction somehow promised to make me feel wanted and validated. Instead, I needed to discover that God had already validated me. He created me, called me, chose me, gave me purpose, and loved me with real love.  

Ask God to reveal the deeper roots for you. He’s a kind and loving Father. You can run to Him and find the comfort, peace, and healing that addiction will never give you.

Second, I brought it to the light. For years, addiction was a secret I thought I could handle on my own. Once I confessed it to close friends, my wife—and asked the right people to hold me accountable—my addiction began to lose its power. 

Third, I looked to Jesus. Jesus said He experienced every temptation known to man. He understands our battles. So, I looked to Jesus. In Matthew, chapter four, He was tempted by Satan himself three times. Three times, Jesus, God’s perfect Son, quoted the Bible. So, if it worked for Jesus … 

I found some Bible truth and started repeating it daily, especially when I was tempted. Start with one verse and go from there. Dig up the root, bring it to light, and fight back with truth. 

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬