Liberty from addiction
Dr. Valson Abraham
Dear Friend,
Whether in India, Europe, Africa or America, addiction is a major problem.
Gerald May defines an addiction as “compulsive, habitual behavior that limits freedom of human desire.” In other words, an addict is a slave. Whatever holds an addict’s attention to this degree has become an idol. As God tells us, “You shall have no other gods before me.
What causes addictions? There are many reasons, but behind all of them stands the biggest reason of all: we have forsaken the Creator for the created. We have exchanged the truth of God for a lie. Therefore, addictions are signs that all is not well in our relationship with God. We are listening to other voices besides the voice of God. We have believed the lie instead of the truth.
There are many addictions that destroys health, relationships, work and family. One addiction which has become common worldwide...tobacco addiction...
Around 5.4 million deaths a year are caused by tobacco.
Smoking is set to kill 6.5 million people in 2015 and 8.3 million humans in 2030, with the biggest rise in low-and middle-income countries.
Every 6.5 seconds a current or former smoker dies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
An estimated 1.3 billion people are smokers worldwide (WHO).
Over 443,000 Americans (over 18 percent of all deaths) die because of smoking each year. Second hand smoke kills about 50,000 of them.
1.2 million people in China die because of smoking each year. That’s 2,000 people a day.
Tobacco use will kill 1 billion people in the 21st century if current smoking trends continue.
33 percent to 50 percent of all smokers are killed by their habit. Smokers die on average 15 years sooner than nonsmokers.
Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis... It is proven to cause cancer, heart disease and hormonal problems.
Regardless of how we may try and justify it. Smoking, and spitting tobacco, is a filthy habit.
To addicts, Jesus has this special word: “I have come…to proclaim liberty to the captives…to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
Since addiction is, at heart, a relationship problem, it takes relationship with God to break the addiction. Healing of addictions involves knowing God both in His Word and by experience. As Jesus says, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
True freedom from addiction can come only by a work of God. Only the Spirit of God can break the curse of addiction. The Spirit of God can do this only when the addict gives Him permission to break the curse and exchange the lie for truth.
Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” (Romans 12:2) Mind renewal involves both the head and the heart through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many who follow Christ today came out of backgrounds in which they were heavily engaged in addictive behavior towards drugs, tobacco, gambling and alcohol. When they committed their lives to Jesus Christ, they surrendered this part of their lives over to Him. Now filled with the Holy Spirit, they lost the craving for these things. They gained the power to live free in Christ.
Today, millions are seeking freedom and peace for their lives. They attempt to calm their restless spirits through the only thing they know—addictions whether it be drugs, alchohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography or sex. These things offer only temporary relief, and they always run the risk of breaking down health and ruining marriages and families.
Trust in Jesus Christ. He is able to heal and set you free.
Confess your sins and addictions to Jesus. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ who is able to heal and set you free. Seek the help of a mature christian who can help you to be accountable. Fill your mind with Word of God and Replace your life with good habits.
