Addict

I find it interesting to explore the origins of words. Especially if the modern use is different from the way it was used centuries ago. One such word is addict.
That word may conger up some unsavory images in your mind because of how we use it today but that wasn't always the case. I was able to find out that the word "addict" was used in different ways hundreds of years ago. It was used as a legal term meaning "to deliver someone over by the sentence of a judge." The prisoner was "addicted" to prison.
Another sense of the word was used in a more casual way in conversation. A person would announce that he was an addict of the theater, sports, or a hobby. Much in the same way we use the word "fan" now. (We have adopted the suffix "oholic" also and connect it to chocolate, shopping, etc. Like chocoholic, or shopocholic).
Formally the word "addict" meant "made over (not like the popular "make-overs") or bound to another. Attached by restraint (chains perhaps) or obligation (like an employment agreement). Addict also carried the meanings of "obliged, bound, devoted and consecrated". We as believers could be called (under the old usage) addicted to God. More on that later.
With the modern usage of this word, it would sound quite odd for us to use "addict" in connection with God. Today it carries a more negative connotation. The sad fact is that today if someone is called an addict, it usually refers to a broken life of bondage to drugs or alcohol.
The Bible doesn't use the word "addict", but it does describe that state of being. Scripture tell us, "For by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage" (2 Peter 2:19).
Think of the addict who just experimented with drugs to try them out. More times than not that person will acknowledge that they were "overcome" by those experiments and now is in bondage, or a slave to it.
We are told in another place, "all things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful (profitable). All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything" (1 Cor. 6:12). That's being overcome and bound under the power of whatever on is addicted to.
Are you "addicted"? You can turn your affection over to something new. It sounds simple, but it may be very difficult to accomplish. But it can be! Here is how it works; "For just as you presented your members (body) as slaves of uncleanness and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for sanctification" (Romans 6:19). We can be addicted to God.
Your flesh may be weak, but if your spirit is willing it can be done in the Power of God. The weak flesh needs to be disciplined, when it cries out for its wants and desires. Turn to God for His grace in that time of need. Strengthen the spirit and deny the flesh. We need not be under the power of anything but God.
Pastor Chuck

Speaking of the Lord...

You must have heard the disclaimer, "Don't try this at home". It comes during a stunt or exhibition that could be dangerous. So the producers of the video don't want to be blamed for giving someone an idea that turns out disastrous.
I've also heard the phrase, "This is best left to the trained professionals," connected with don't try this. Problem is that the idea is already planted in the mind of someone who thinks they can give it a try.
There are some things you can try on your own which you might see on television. The shows which give you tips on home repairs, cooking, or gardening. These can be useful if you've ever been stuck in a project.
Another activity you can do at home is Bible reading. Set aside some time and read two or three chapters to other family members. Opening the Bible doesn't need to be restricted to Sunday mornings. Talking about the Bible doesn't need to be left to the professionals.
I recognize that bringing up the Bible or spiritual matters isn't an easy thing to do. As a pastor I find it difficult sometimes to bring spiritual principle into a conversation. But as water will always find a hole in the pipe, if we are ready for the opportunity, it will come.
For the most part, I'm comfortable talking to strangers (Don't tell my mom). At the stores I frequent, I like to take advantage of name tags and greet the cashier by name. "Hi (whomever) how are you?" Or some such greeting. Even the person who is bagging the groceries doesn't go unnoticed. It isn't impolite to speak God's blessing on them. On more than several occasions a cashier has greet me again with a smile of recognition and a longer conversation. I've gotten prayer requests while buying hardware. I've learned about dying parents while buying groceries. I've invited people to church while spending money at restaurants.
The check-out line is a good place to practice. Pay attention to their facial expression and respond accordingly. Ask them how their day (or shift) is going. Give them some encouraging words of how well they are helping you. Then allow the conversation to go where the other person wants to take it. Be ready to tell of what God has done for you.
When it comes to showing God's presence in the market place, you are a professional! You've been trained by the best (Jesus), and equipped with God's spirit. So even if you have a complaint, it can be a blessed experience for you and the business involved.
Some things shouldn't be tried at home on your own. Some things should be done at home and on your own. Speak to strangers in the power of God and on behalf of Jesus. Wow, what an experience.
I'd like to hear how this goes for you. It may help others to be bold also.

Pastor Chuck