The numbers concerning addiction are truly staggering. Nearly 25 million Americans used illegal drugs last year. And another 15 million abuse prescription drugs. Some research indicates 30% of people will experience an alcohol-related disorder at some point in their lives. In the US 2.8 billion dollars is spent every year on pornography. One third of all internet downloads are pornographic.
And the problem is huge in the Christian church as well. 80% of churched young people report having tried alcohol, and 38% have tried marijuana. 50% of Christian men and 20% of Christian women report being “addicted” to pornography. These numbers should sober us as individuals, as a society, and as a church.
But even those numbers tell little of the personal devastation caused by addiction. Children going without food, innocent people killed by drunk drivers, homes, businesses, and careers lost, men, women, and children abused physically, sexually, and mentally, families and lives devastated because of addiction.
And the most devastating cost of all is to the soul of the person held in bondage by an addiction. That may involve overwhelming guilt, separation from God and others, fear of hell, and a sense of powerlessness to do anything to break free.
Yes, addiction is powerful. It changes one’s body and brain, robs one’s finances, destroys one’s relationships, and wreaks havoc on one’s soul. It’s one of the enemy’s most successful tools to bring pain and destruction to God’s children.
But as powerful as addiction is, there is ONE who is more powerful. There is ONE who is the Bondage Breaker, Jesus Himself. He has already gone to hell and back for you, and He offers you a way out.
If you are struggling with an addiction yourself, let me offer you the hand of Jesus, and of others who love Him. Breaking free will take your entire commitment and effort as well, but recovery and freedom is possible. His strong hand can pull you out and set you free.
And if you are weeping and praying for a loved one caught in an addiction, let me also offer you the hand of Jesus, and of others who love Him. You are not alone in your prayers. Never give up. And perhaps God will use you to be His human hands in helping your loved one and others find freedom.
Don’t ever give up. God provides a way out.
Many resources are available for help to recover from an addiction, both faith-based and secular. Here are some specifically to consider:
- Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered recovery program now in over 19,000 churches worldwide
- Every Man’s Battle, helping men win the war on sexual temptation
- Be Broken, helping men, women, and families move from sexual brokenness to wholeness
- Wives Care, healing from the wounds of betrayal
- Shannon Ethridge, helping women and others develop a life of sexual integrity
- XXXChurch, helping men, women, parents, and couples recover from pornography addiction
- AA Back to Basics, some amazing information and resources on a foundational 12-step program different from all the rest
That’s only a start. Get some help. And don’t give up until you find freedom. God is there to help you.
Your Turn: What do you see as the most devastating aspect of addiction? What roll does God’s intervention play in recovery, and what roll do you play? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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- The numbers affected by addiction should sober us as individuals, and as a church. Tweet This.
- Some faith-based recovery resources: alcohol, pornography, and any addiction. Tweet This.
