Addiction in Christian Terms
Addiction is a complicated subject itself, when adding in religion it can become more complicated or become simplified, depending on how you look at it.
According to Jimmy Monaghan from Celebrate recovery, who has a Clinical MA in Counseling Psychology and in Counselor Education addiction is “engaging in a behavior or ingestion of a substance that creates life unmanageability.”
One definition of addiction “to occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively.”
This definition speaks volumes in the Christian faith because as a Christian nothing should be more important than seeking out a life in Christ.
Monaghan said that while in the grasp of his addiction getting the next high, the next fix the next escape of his life became more important than anything and everything else.
He called it a “Slow spiritual suicide instead of the pursuit of life.”
Power of Prayer
People suffering from diseases often look for spiritual healing, this is why there are churches and shepherds in hospitals to help people through these difficult times.
There is no reason why addiction should be any different.
Depending on the denomination and beliefs, some Christians don’t see addiction as a disease. In some cases, it is seen as another form of the human condition.
Biblically speaking addiction happens when something goes wrong with the desires of the person. Something that once was controlled has now taken over and now stands in between you and your relationship with God by becoming aa false idol.
In either case prayer can help the healing process and get the addict’s life and spiritual journey back on track.
Rick Warren from Celebrate Recovery states on its website, “To my amazement, I found the principles of recovery, and even their logical order, given by Christ in his most famous message, the Sermon on the Mount.”
Praying and focusing on God can help give a person power over his or her addiction. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Small Groups and Support Groups for Addiction
Christion support group are not new by any means, in 1816 John Wesley’s “Rules for Small Groups” was written. It gave an overview of what the purpose of Christian small groups was and how they should be run.
Support groups or small groups are where believers get together and are honest about their struggles, they become accountable to and for one another. They build bond around mutual needs and pray for each other during hardships.
Addiction is a hard thing to overcome but most Christians believe with prayer, scripture and a strong support system, which can include rehab, it is not something that cannot be controlled.
2 comments
Addiction can be controlled, but you need faith that you can control it. Praying to God for e the answers and help is the first step. He will guide you to were you need to be. Then it’s up to you to do the rest. You are the one that needs to get rid of all the “Devils” in your life.
Addictions can be eradicated by allowing Christ in one’s life. You will want to do His will, and addict is against His will. Christ, the total recovery from addiction.