by Emmett Smith

We hear a lot these days about addiction. An addict, according to one dictionary, is one who is "a slave to a habit or vice, especially a drug."¹ This definition pretty well sums up the idea, doesn't it? Thus, people are referred to as addicted to gambling, sex, and other behaviors in addition to substance abuses. This slavery to harmful behavior patterns is certainly not a novel concept. Jesus addressed this very subject in his discussion with the Jews, after they protested His statement that the truth would make them free.

John 8:34 (ESV) Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin."

The Jews didn't like to think that they were in bondage to anyone. They were Abraham's seed! But Jesus reminded them that bondage to sin is a universal problem. Unfortunately, even though the text says that they "believed on him" (cf. John 12:42), it also says they sought to kill Him because His word had no place in them. It sounds as if they were determined to die in their sins by rejecting mankind's only possible remedy. And so it is with many today.

However, there's really no choice as to whether we'll be slaves. We simply must choose one of two masters (Romans 6:16_vff). In 1 Corinthians 16:15,16 (KJV) the Apostle Paul wrote, "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,)  That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.".

Brother Paul simply wanted the Corinthians to develop good addictions rather than evil ones. What are you addicted to?

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