Measure of a Man: Chapter 9: What are you addicted to?

As I began writing this blog, I got hung up on the word "moderation." However, the key term that latched onto me was addiction.

According to Getz, being moderate in lifestyle means that one avoids addiction and over-indulgence. 1 Timothy 3 specifically addresses alcohol with the term "paroinos" which "literally means a man 'who sits too long at his wine.'" (Getz, 99). Getz extends the discussion to include smoking, over-eating (ouch), and drugs.

I think Getz application is accurate. The man of God is too avoid addictive behavior. Of course, this raises some questions.

Is there some addictive behavior that is more acceptable than others?

1. Some may argue that some addictions, like food or video games, are harmless or less of a negative fact for society. Other behaviors, like smoking or drinking or gambling or sex, have often been readily condemned for the easily identifiable impact that they have on society.

2. Some might argue that certain addictions are "pre-programmed" by our genes, or we may excuse certain addictive behaviors due to family culture and social programming. "Hey, its not my fault--my mother made me this way!"

Truth be told, all addictive behavior is negative and unacceptable for the man or woman of God. Some of us may have genetic predispositions to anger, but that does not make murder acceptable. Some may have survived terrible trauma in childhood or adulthood, but it does not mean that negative behaviors are to be perpetrated on society at large. The truth is, our genetic make up is fragile, and everyone one of us suffers from sort of predisposition to act in our own interest. Addictive behavior takes this selfish attitude and fulfills its desires regardless of the cost to the individual or to society. Thus, by defining an attitude as addictive, we have identified an actions or attitude that is selfish to the core and a behavior that does not exhibit that attitude of Christ on the cross. Ultimately, addictive, impulsive behaviors do not seek to benefit anyone but the user. Addiction is the enemy of "Love God, Love your neighbor."

So what do we do? Getz gives us simple and practical ways of addressing addictive behavior.

1. Don't judge--we are all subject to an imperfect body and imperfect society. Therefore, we are all capable to being addicted to something--and most likely are.

2. Be disciplined. We are programmed to fail. (p. 107). Break the cycle by programming you spirit with spiritual discipline. We all sin. It doesn't have to be an automatic choice. Fight sin with the power of the Resurrection that abides in you through the blood of Jesus Christ. Remember: HE IS ENOUGH!

3. Practice a higher principle. Addiction is all about me. We need to move our focus from ourselves to our love for God and our fellow man. Of course, this is not possible without faith in Jesus.

Addiction is a natural bi-product of our wealthy, self-centered Western culture. After all, everyone tells us that it is about us.

The Kingdom of God is radically different. It is about Jesus. Christ first. Christ is enough. He is the only one worthy of our love, our addiction.