What do you think of when you hear the word “addiction”? Likely thoughts of alcohol, drugs, sex or even pornography come to mind. These are our go to responses because most people can agree on these being addictive elements in our society today. A therapist friend of mine recently made the following statement. “Habit is just a kind way of saying addiction.” At first I wanted to argue with him on that. After all, no one has ever testified to the destructive elements of habit. Has anyone lost a job or relationships because of a bad habit? That almost seems a little harsh.
Then I began to think about what habits I might have. I’m ashamed to confess that a great deal of my “habits” that I have recognized center around one thing. Me. My comfort. My pleasure. My glory. My success. I quickly realized that I have an addiction of selfishness. And if you’re really honest with yourself, you may find that you do to.
Judges 10 reveals the addiction to selfishness the people of Israel had grown accustom to. They only cried out to God whenever they were in pain and needed relief. God would relieve their pain and they would honor him for a time until they slipped right back into their own selfishness. Their selfishness would bring pain and then they would cry out for relief again. The people were in the habit of satisfying their own needs and pleasures. They were addicted to their own selfishness.
Have you considered what you might be addicted to today? It may not be an external thing such as drugs or food. But it just might be that you have a much stronger habit of praising yourself than praising God. Break the cycle today and enjoy the fact that God forgives and gives strength and rest from the struggle.
Lord, let people see more of you and less of me. Amen.
Rev. Christopher Hall, Jacksonville, Fla.
Extended Scripture: Judges 9–10
