Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

Breaking The Chain – Finding Freedom From Addiction 

Bible Reading: :  1 Thess  5 :1-11

Key verse:  11 

 "Therefore Encourage One Another And Build Up One Another" 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

DEVOTION

In scriptures we have seen how Idol worship affected Jews in their relationship with God. Relying on manmade images of God versus remaining loyal to the true and living God provided wellness in prosperity or even during periods of hardship or afflictions. Addiction in the Bible documents gluttony and intoxication from excessive consumption. Paul teaches us that our bodies are part of the body of Christ.  ● Today, addiction can be from several other ways such as digital, chemical etc., We fall into a sin of addiction by being lured into certain sinful practices of the world and peer influence. How do we cure ourselves from this situation? Addiction implies that we have deviated from the light. Our body which is the temple of God has been defiled. Paul warns us not to be conformed to the world but let God transform us inwardly by a complete change of our mind.  ● If we have been transformed, we have died to sin. How, then can we go on living in sin. ● Just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of His father, so too we may lead a new life because of His sacrificial death on the cross.  ● We have the path of confession and forgiveness to renew ourselves into His fold.  We were set free and became a slave of righteousness.  ● David provides us with insights on how he overcame external challenges. He said, “You gave me strength to attack my enemies and power to overcome their defenses.”  ● God alone was his defense.  ● David goes on to say, “God kept me from being captured”.  ● David says he has thus never fallen.  Turning to God helps break the chain of addiction and find freedom from addiction. We have reflected on those who knew God and have accepted Jesus as Lord and savior. Yet one falls from grace through sin. Today young children growing in Christian homes have avenues for addiction far more than in previous generations. I would like to share my insight without naming the person. The person I am referring to is a co-boarding member from about my year 8. Therefore, none of us had direct parental influence till we were old enough to be independent. He was nurtured with the habit of reading the Bible every day and prayer which he continued obediently even away from home. The boarding had a few residents who were addicted to smoking and going for movies other than those the boarding arranged. This person I am referring to was never tempted to join them in these addictions. How did this person escape the temptation? I would suggest that this was because his adherence to the ”Word” helped him not to be conformed to the world and the assurance I believe is that those in His light would be prevented from falling prey to the influence of influencers of the world. 

PRAYER

When the day of the Lord comes help me O Lord to be prepared to meet you O Lord. Keep me in your light. Not sleeping like the others from ignorance and darkness because of my sin of addiction. For you have elected me by my faith in you and my hope of salvation and eternal life.

Thought for the DAY

How would we respond to addiction in ourselves or in our acquaintances? 
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Dr. Thomas P. Benjamin St. Mathews Mar Thoma Church, Toronto