On a Friday night in my little hometown of Belle (population 1500), you’ll see several cars sitting in the parking lot of the First Christian Church. If you show up around 6:30 there will be a hot dinner, followed by some great worship, fellowship, and deep conversations.
Every person who walks through the doors on Friday night struggles with some kind of life-controlling issue, whether it’s addiction, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, people pleasing, etc. But in the midst of our struggles, we all Celebrate Recovery together.
Once an addict, always an addict.
In some recovery programs you’re taught “Once an addict, always an addict.” What if that’s not true?
I believe when we speak these words over ourselves we’re denying God’s ability to change us. If you are walking in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and choose to pursue freedom daily with Him, you are not who you once were.
Don’t take my word for it. Take God’s word for it.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
Notice that sentence ends in an exclamation point. It was stated with excitement. God is excited about your new life and He desires to put your old life behind you. You are new! We can’t pursue wholeness in Christ and call ourselves addicts at the same time. It contradicts what God says about us.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow – Isaiah 1:18
God didn’t create a lottery and randomly pull names out to say, “Only you get to be washed white as snow.” No, He claims that for all who claim Him – drug addicts, prostitutes, porn addicts, workaholics, co-dependents, people pleasers…
[ctt template=”3″ link=”xZEqa” via=”yes” ]We can’t pursue wholeness in Christ and call ourselves addicts at the same time.[/ctt]
Stop calling yourself an addict
We’ve all known someone who’s dealt with cancer. Maybe it’s you. Walk through this with me for a second. You go to the doctor and he diagnoses you with cancer. Perhaps God miraculously heals you, or He uses modern medicine such as chemo and radiation. You go for your one year check-up and the doctor says, “You’re cancer free.”
Do you still tell people you have cancer or do you proclaim, “I’m cancer free.” Of course you pick option two.
The same applies to our struggles with addiction.
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. – John 8:36 NLT
You are not who your addiction tries to say you are. You are a new creation. You are free. Stop calling yourself an addict and walk in the grace and freedom God is pouring into your life.
Walking through the struggle
I’m not saying you still won’t struggle. There are days I still struggle with food and eat through my emotions. It’s a setback yes, but it doesn’t define me.
I’m not saying if you struggle with alcohol, you can go have a few drinks here and there. God also calls us to flee from temptation and to walk in wisdom.
But it’s time to relabel yourself, my friend. It’s time to call yourself what God calls you. “Redeemed. Free. Beautiful. Sanctified. Saint. Child. Friend.”
[ctt template=”3″ link=”7JHf3″ via=”yes” ]You are not who your addiction tries to say you are. [/ctt]
Doesn’t that sound so much freer than “addict?”
I encourage you today, if the “once an addict, always an addict” thought is something you’re passionate about, to take it back to God’s Word. Ask Him to show you the truth behind it. He will. And I have a feeling His truth will be more healing salve to your soul than the words the world teaches us.
I am a new creation in Christ who is always mindful if I willfully go back to slavery to sugar and gluten, I will once again be a slave. I do not define myself by my weakness. I define myself by God’s power and grace. “His grace is enough. It’s all I need. His power come into its own in my weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9 MSG. Only by admitting my weakness can I tap into His strength. If I think I’ve got it licked, I’m doomed. I am nothing without His strength. I can do anything through His Christ. Without it, I fall flat on my tush.