GOD-ANOINTED ADDICTIONS
"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,)" 1 Corinthians 16:15. In these "last days" there are perilous and unwise practices to which many have become addicted. Some addictions are tobacco, liquor, drugs, gambling, sex, money, food, power-, to name a few. Such habits include anything that gains control over our lives that only our Saviour should have. These addictions are idols.
So many things seem harmless in themselves, yet can become treacherous addictions if we are not careful to view them from God's perspective and to determine to avoid them. The Apostle Paul's declaration, "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 of any." I Corinthians 6:12 provides us with a good, safe attitude and practice. Fortunately, there are some addictions that are wholesome and edifying, because they honor our Lord Jesus Christ. It would be good for us to purposely allow ourselves to come under the control of these God-anointed addictions.
The Saviour - After his salvation, the Apostle Paul's entire life was centered in his Saviour. Paul became addicted to Jesus. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain;" Philippians 1:21. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" Philippians 3:7-9. To become addicted to the Saviour would be very wise for now and highly rewarding hereafter. Allow Jesus to truly be your "all in all."
Soul-winning - So addicted to soul-winning was the Apostle, that he could unashamedly exclaim, "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." Romans 10:1. Become "zealously affected always in a good thing," that is, addicted to soul-winning.
The Scriptures - As the Psalmist, a believer should also become addicted to the Scriptures - reading, meditating, obeying, studying, memorizing, sharing, proclaiming them. "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalms 119:103-105. This addiction to the Scriptures will keep God's perspective continually before you. It will transform your life. And, it will glorify your Saviour.
The Spirit of God - A Christian should be controlled by the indwelling Spirit of God. "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" Ephesians 5:18. When addicted to the Spirit of God, you will bear much fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23. Need some or all of these, do you? What a glorious, fruitful, Christ-honoring addiction!
Serving - God's Word tells us in our text, Stephanas and his family had actually become "addicted" to serving their fellow believers, ministering, helping them in the name of Jesus. "And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life." Philippians 4:3. Read carefully Romans chapter 16, the Bible's own "Hall of Fame for Servants." Certainly Christians in leadership positions - Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, etc. should manifest these anointed addictions. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind- Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." I Peter 5:2-3. In these apostate "last days", aren't we reaping such a lukewarm harvest because many Christian leaders are not possessing and practicing such God-anointed addictions? "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" 1 Corinthians 10:31. Become a "true yokefellow," a real "fellowlabourer." Such God-anointed addictions bring present and eternal blessing to us and to others.
Charles H. Rice, Sr.