Biblical Answer

Understanding the Struggle with Addiction

It's true that many people have overcome addictions without turning to Christ, but the question remains, can you still have a normal life if you're struggling with addiction? The answer is yes, but with a crucial caveat: you must acknowledge the underlying issues that lead to addiction. Addiction is not just a physical or mental problem, but a spiritual one as well. The Bible teaches us that our hearts are prone to sin and that we need a Savior to overcome it (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8). When we turn to Christ and commit ourselves to keeping turning to Him, we can find freedom from addiction.

The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines

In order to overcome addiction, it's essential to engage in spiritual disciplines such as reading God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. The Bible is full of stories of people who struggled with addictions, such as King David's struggles with lust and King Solomon's struggles with wealth (Psalm 51, 1 Kings 11). These stories demonstrate that even the strongest Christians can fall into addiction, but with God's help, they can overcome it. By reading God's Word daily, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for our lives and the power of His forgiveness and love. As we apply the principles of Scripture to our lives, we can break free from the bondage of addiction and live a normal, healthy life.

The Role of Fear and Forgiveness

One of the problems with the perspective that addictions are a disease is that it leaves no room for fear of the Lord. A god who helps us to be strong in the face of illness is not the same as the God of the Bible, who calls us to repentance and faith. The Bible teaches us that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and that it's through this fear that we can find freedom from addiction. By acknowledging our sin and our need for forgiveness, we can experience the power of God's love and mercy, which can set us free from the grip of addiction. As we walk in obedience to God's Word, we can live a normal, healthy life, free from the bondage of addiction.