A Shameless Addict

Most mornings after breakfast our family reads "Keys for Kids," a daily devotional by CBH Ministries.  Today's story was about a girl who was tasked with a class project studying addictions.  She discovered that not only there are addictions which enslave and destroy, but also wholesome and beneficial addictions.  The dad in the story suggested a verse which I have always found thought provoking.  The KJV of 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 reads, "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) ¹⁶ that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth."  In the NKJV, instead of "addicted" the word "devoted" is used to translate from the original Greek.

In modern culture, the term "addiction" often has a negative connotation.  Addiction carries with it an aspect of compulsion and lack of control.  Many people refuse to admit their addictions because in doing so they confess that their life is ruled by an outside activity or thing - perhaps admitting weakness.  From a biblical perspective, the only good addictions are those which bring honour and glory to God.  It would be a very good thing to be addicted to prayer, Bible study, evangelism, giving, and helping others - as long as necessary responsibilities are not made to suffer.  It would be a poor excuse for a man to quit work and cease to provide for his family because he wants to pray more.  1 Timothy 5:8 teaches us, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

A wonderful aspect of ministry unto the LORD is it does not require the abandonment of all earthy duties and responsibilities.  When we are addicted to honouring God, we will in fact become more skilled in all areas of our lives because our attitudes and perspective changes for the better.  For instance, we are commanded to "in everything give thanks."  It is not necessary for me to enter into seclusion or quit my job to do this.  I can continually seek to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in all circumstances.  The Bible also commands us to "pray without ceasing."  When I rise in the morning as I prepare for work, I can pray.  While I am driving to a jobsite, I can pray.  Throughout the day, continually I can devote myself to prayer.  How good it would be to become addicted to the obedience and glory of God!

Stephanas and his household are a good example of people who were consecrated for the service of God continually.  They were addicted to ministering unto God and serving one another in love.  It is possible that we could be deceived to think we are serving God when we are actually serving our own interests.  But this could not be said of Stephanas.  He was numbered among those who ministered to the saints, who helped and laboured alongside the apostle Paul.  It is a high honour to serve the LORD.  How much more honourable it is to be addicted to glorifying God!  Instead of being second nature, I desire that the honour of God would be instinctual, my initial and sole response to all life throws at me.  May I be weak to resist such an addiction that God might reveal Himself in strength through me.

Are you addicted?  It's what you are addicted to that matters!