Addiction and Christianity: Finding Hope and Healing
Introduction
January 24, 2007, marked a day I will never forget. It's been 16 years, but the memory is vivid. On that day, I found myself helping carry the casket of a 19-year-old who had once been a tennis player on my team. Just a year prior, I had been coaching him, teaching him the fundamentals of the game, the value of teamwork, and how to compete. However, as I stood there carrying his lifeless body to an early grave, it was painfully clear that addiction had stolen his future.
He was such a great kid and had an infectious smile and fun personality, but his battle with addiction, especially to drugs and alcohol, had taken hold of his life. Despite his efforts to overcome it, including rehab and moments of sobriety, he fell back into the grip of addiction, accompanied by guilt, shame, heartache for his loved ones, and a sense of hopelessness. This tragic pattern ultimately claimed his life.
The Reality of Addiction in Christianity
Addiction is an all-encompassing struggle, and it doesn't discriminate against faith or belief. Christians, too, can grapple with the formidable challenge of addiction, whether it's substance abuse or other forms of addictive behavior.
These addictions can hijack the mind, turning one's life into a relentless pursuit of the next fix, regardless of the harm caused to oneself and others. The cycle continues, marked by guilt, shame, and despair.
Understanding the Depths of Addiction
Addiction isn't limited to substances like drugs and alcohol; it can manifest in various forms such as pornography, social media, video games, shopping, food, gambling, or even work. People often turn to these vices to combat boredom, alleviate stress, or numb emotional and physical pain. Sometimes, addiction serves as a coping mechanism for unresolved issues, such as past traumas, low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety.
In this blog post, we'll briefly explore the struggle with addictive behaviors, acknowledging that it can affect individuals from all walks of life, both within and outside the church. It's crucial to recognize that addiction doesn't discriminate based on age, gender, or socioeconomic status—it's a widespread societal issue.
The Unwavering Love of God
Amid the turmoil of addiction, it's easy to feel unlovable, unworthy, and too far gone. However, in Luke 15, Jesus shares a parable that challenges this destructive self-perception. The well-known parable tells of a prodigal son who, after squandering his inheritance in a wild and self-destructive lifestyle, returns to his father in shame, believing himself unworthy to be called a son.
Despite societal norms and cultural expectations, the father in the parable runs to embrace his wayward son, disregarding shame and humiliation. This poignant act of love illustrates the boundless compassion of our Heavenly Father. No matter how far we've strayed or what mistakes we've made, we are valued and loved in the eyes of God.
The Power of Jesus Over Addiction
Addiction can make individuals feel powerless, ensnared in a never-ending struggle. Yet, it's vital to understand that Jesus possesses the power to help overcome addiction. The Gospels depict numerous instances where Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over nature, healing, and even death.
In Matthew 8:23-27, we witness Jesus calming a furious storm with a mere command. This same Jesus walked on water, restored sight to the blind, enabled the lame to walk, freed those possessed by demons, and raised the dead. If Jesus can wield such power over the forces of nature, He is more than capable of helping individuals break free from addiction.
While addiction may seem insurmountable in our own strength, Jesus is the source of true power and victory.
Steps Toward Healing
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, here are five essential steps to embark on the journey toward healing:
1. Acknowledge the Problem
Allow Jesus to reveal the presence of addiction in your life. It's easy to deny or downplay its significance, but recognizing the issue is the first step toward recovery.
2. Learn Your True Identity
While it’s important to acknowledge the problem, do not claim it as your identity. A lot of popular recovery programs encourage you to say, “Hi, I’m ______, and I’m an addict.”
If you are a new creation in Christ, your identity is not that of an addict. You are a son or daughter of God who is righteous, holy, accepted, loved, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. You can acknowledge that you struggle with addiction without claiming that it is who you are.
3. Bring It into the Light
Follow Ephesians 5:11, which encourages us to expose our deeds of darkness. Don't let shame and fear keep addiction hidden. Instead, bring it into the light, where true healing and transformation can begin.
4. Turn to Jesus
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Jesus is your life, power, and your victory. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Seek Him. Trust Him. Depend on Him.
5. Seek Support
Don't attempt to overcome addiction in isolation. Find a support community, whether it's trusted individuals in your life, a mentor, or a structured recovery group. Share your struggles and seek encouragement from those who understand and care about your well-being.
Conclusion
No matter the depth of your addiction, remember that you are loved and valued by your Heavenly Father. Jesus possesses the power to break the chains of addiction and lead you to victory. Lean on Him, trust Him, and embrace His grace even if you stumble along the way.
To those who know someone battling addiction, never give up on them. Offer prayers, support, and love, remaining available for the right kind of help. As demonstrated in the parable of the prodigal son, the love of a parent or a friend can be a powerful force of redemption in the life of someone struggling with addiction.