Our Addictive Nature

From birth forward, each person learns to serve his own physical needs, progressively developing a passion for a multitude of worldly enticements.  Our nature is to hyper-focus on our bodies, becoming addicted and under its power to serve its every need. If we’re hungry, we feed it, and when fearful, we protect ourselves. The flesh also quickly learns the immediate gratification benefits to lust after many things: “All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16)  

Man grows up to be his own god, obsessed to serve ‘self’ and therefore, setting aside the Living God. This is the road man takes as he departs from Truth: “Because that, 1) when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; 2) but became vain in their imaginations, 3) and their foolish heart was darkened. 4) Professing themselves to be wise, 5) they became fools, 6) and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man…” (Romans 1:21-23)

This inherited nature from Adam (the old man) is crucified once we believe, so we no longer ‘have’ to be controlled by it. “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power (addicted) of any.” (I Cor. 6:12) God graciously provides a perfect replacement for fleshly addictions. We are to have our mind transformed by His own thinking: “And be not conformed to this world,: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Also consider that our focus will change, that is to exalt and serve others as the flesh is no longer our god: “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints). (I Cor. 16:15) This Scripture speaks in the positive way about saints being addicted or driven to serve others and their needs.

Think on this: Read and study Romans 1-11 as this is foundational teaching to prepare us to exalt others in godly love. Now, read on as Romans 12 introduces our interrelationship with all members of the Body and how to love them. The Spirit teaches us a genuine care for the saints above serving ‘self.’ When we see others benefit from our service, it causes us joy. In time, joyful serving can develop a natural addiction to ministering to others on God’s behalf, as a living sacrifice.