Addiction
 

by William C. Sexton
 

The word addiction is one we usually associate with drugs. An "addict" is defined as "one who has a confirmed habit, as the overuse of drugs..." (Webster's).

If we look, however, we can see that one can be addicted to almost anything; that is, to have a "confirmed habit." I suggest that many in our day are addicts, that is they have "a confirmed habit" of deviate sexual behavior. One can become involved over a period of time to practices that God does not approve. One can do it to the point that he becomes obsessed, addicted to that practice.

Just as one is not born with the urge to consume alcohol or other drugs, one is not born with the desire to engage in deviant sex practices. Yet, one may learn to do so, by experimentation, or by seeing others engage in such, or by hearing others talk about it. That is why pornography is so harmful today. Being available, many are introduced to it, and they get gratification from viewing it. People see things on the printed page (pictures) and view in porno movies acts that are glorified so as to arouse the sexual impulse in an individual. It begins to work on one's mind, and he becomes obsessed with such till the point that he'll do things that are very hurtful to his well-being and that of many others!

God made us either male or female, sexual being (Gen. 1:26-28). He provided for that need (Genesis 2:24): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Jesus pointed back to that beginning when asked about the duty or rights involved in that relationship:

Matthew 19:4-6: "And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

This was referred to by Paul, when he was showing the need for purity and the sin of fornication in sexual behavior:

1 Corinthians 6:16: "Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For 'the two,' He says, 'shall become one flesh.'"

Sexuality is as much a part of us as our appetite for food and water, but, as in those areas, each must exercise control. To ignore what God says on this subject, as so many are doing in our day, is destructive to themselves and to others. Beloved, let us get our minds cleared of all unscriptural views, determine to do right ourselves, and help others to the extent we can do right!

If one has a problem, the first step is to admit it -- face up to it. Then one can seek and find help. But until one admits that he has a problem, no help can be forthcoming. Let us all look honestly at ourselves, and if there is a problem, let us handle it scripturally. Let us be looking for others who may have a problem, and be willing to help him overcome his difficulties. There is no problem that can't be handled, if one will honestly face up to the problem, having a desire to administer the teachings of the Lord, and seeking help from fellow Christians! 

 

 

 

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