This is a blog about what the real world is like when you are “in the world.” As Jesus says in John 15:19 “ If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” This simply means that when we march to the world system, indulging in the trappings and addictions of the world, the world will love you for it. The closer to Jesus we come, thus further out of the world, the more the world will hate us and stand against us.
There is no greater evidence of this in the world than that of addiction and the effect it has on God’s children. I can speak to this as a recovering alcoholic. Drugs, alcohol, sexual appetites, and many other worldly venues contrary to God’s will are more readily available than ever before in human history. There are even somewhat seemingly “moral” support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and support groups that promote seemingly good intentions. However; none of the support groups of the world scratch the surface of what I believe is the greatest temptation of all of the addictions of the world. This temptation is one that the Satan uses the most to draw us away from living a life fulfilled by Jesus and turning away from the Father.
It is my belief that any addiction is traceable back to pride, the world’s greatest sin. Any mind or body altering chemical or stimulant is meant to make you feel as good as possible in the moment regardless of the consequences. Remember what Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Self-love is placing you above the Lord in all things. If you take mind-altering substances you eliminate thoughts of everything and everyone else. When Satan and his 1/3 of angels fell, it is because Satan thought he was more worthy of praise than the Father. It is no wonder then that all media, products, advertisements, whatever, aimed at the masses are about making people feel good.
The message is always summarized as “put yourself first” and “self-love.” It sounds moral and fantastic on the surface. That’s what the deceiver does, counterfeit and make a world view sound almost correct but fundamentally a lie. Never during the ministry of Jesus Christ did you hear Him mention how we need to put ourselves first. We are to as Jesus said in Mark 9:35 “And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
I will dive more into the effects of addiction on the believer’s daily life, how to look for a truly Christian AA or support group, how depression might manifest in believers, and so much more. Jesus faced all of the problems of the world himself, and faced all of our problems past, present, and future as well. I’m just another believer showing that you’re not alone out there as long as you’re seeking Jesus and allowing Him to walk with you for your salvation.
Extremely insightful and I pray everyone reads this. Thank you Andrew!
Interesting perspective with being a former addict. Most addicts that I have met are/were self loathing. Hating their life and not because they are too confident in themselves.
Thank you for the post. You have been in other countries in your life. Do you see the same "me first" culture in other places you have been or is it different in the US?