Overcoming addiction

Here's what I know:  Addictions can be difficult to overcome.

 

People don't change until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing.

 

Change is hard - even in the midst of self-destructive behavior.

 

Just for fun, try the following experiment:

 

Fold your hands across your chest, and then observe the position of your hands.

 

Some people fold the left hand over the right, and others do the reverse.

 

After noting how you do it, unfold your hands.  Now fold them again, but this time in the opposite way; that is, if you normally put your right hand over your left, put your left hand over your right.

 

It feels awkward, doesn't it?

 

The old way is normal and relaxing.  The new way may seem strange, and you may feel you could never relax in this position.

 

The point is - if a simple change in position of your hands is so uncomfortable,. must think how uncomfortable it is to change part of your behavior or lifestyle - especially when it comes to addictions.

 

How do I know if I am dealing with an addiction?

 

As yourself these six questions:  Is it illegal?  Do family and friends say I have a problem?  Do I continue ever though I am hurting relationships?  Do I arrange my schedule around it?  Is it leading me to isolation?  Is it becoming secret?

 

Some people are addicted to lust, spending, anger, gossip, criticism, food, slander, jealousy, the list goes on and on. 

 

What can you do? 

 

Make a commitment to change today.   Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 11:4, "If you wait for perfect conditions,  you'll never get anything done!"

 

Take responsibility.  Proverbs 19:3 tells us, "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord."

 

Examine your own life.  Do a personal inventory.  Lamentations 3:40 states:  "Let us examine our ways and test them and return to the Lord." 

 

Don't place yourself in a position where you give in to your addiction.  If your addiction is gossip, don't hang around people who gossip.  Romans 13:14, "Don't give any chances for the flesh to have its fling." 

 

Fix your mind on Christ.  Proverbs 4:23, "Be careful how you think your life is happed by your thoughts."  When you turn your attention away from your addiction - refocus on Christ!  Fill your mind with those things that are pure and of a good report (Philippians 4:8).

 

Just some thoughts for a Thursday.