Addiction to substance, a habit or a person can take control of our reasoning, lifestyle and emotions. Addictions can come in small increments or can become so big that it destroys a person's way of life.
One of the biggest myths about addiction is that only addiction to bad substances can become hurtful to someone. When we get an unhealthy and perverted view of the neutral things or even the good things in life like alcohol, sex or even ministry, addiction starts to build up in all of us. In that light, we're all addicted to something. And when I mean all, I really mean ALL of us.
1 John 2:16 tells us, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world." We are all inhabitants of the world and we all are driven by the flesh. If not, then you're either an alien or a zombie. For all have sinned -- made something an idol or an addiction -- and fallen short of the glory of God.
But God does promise that victory can be won -- small victories by slowly being free of each addiction, and big victories by proclaiming that we now have eternal life after this through Jesus Christ.
Dying is never easy
1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." By our own strength, we will never be able to defeat addiction. That is why it's vital that we die to ourselves.
Romans 13:14 says, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Dying to the flesh is never easy. It hurts and through it we will lose some parts of us, but that is why we must be submitted to Christ so that we will be enabled by His strengthening Spirit to conquer death to self.
Experience satisfaction in Jesus
Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." As we walk being filled constantly by the love, grace and Spirit of God, He works in us so that we may experience Jesus more and more. As that happens, addictions start getting pushed out of our heart.
When we find satisfaction in Jesus, we find that satisfaction in Him is greater and more fulfilling than satisfaction in anything else.
