THE REALITY: AN ABUNDANT LIFE

Mike Bickle says in his book, ‘The Seven Longings of the Human Heart’, Addiction wraps itself around a person, giving their natural appetites an artificial life of their own, while simultaneously short-circuiting their ability to function normally.

Let’s overlay this quote in a light specific to pornography addiction. “Pornography wraps itself around a person, giving their natural [sexual] appetites and artificial life of their own, while simultaneously short circuiting their ability to function at a normal [sexual] level.”

Russell Brand, a well known British comedian and talk show host who has been clean for 10 years makes this inciteful comment, “Drugs and alcohol are not my problem, reality is my problem, drugs and alcohol are my solution.”

It’s easy for us to separate ourselves from those who battle the ‘obvious’ or ‘harmful’ addictions like drugs, alcohol and pornography. However, the truth is that at some level we all look for a bit of escapism or comfort. For some it’s as ‘harmless’ as the soap opera we watch week after week, going to the movies, working out at the gym, consuming alcohol or food.

In his statement, Brand exposes what’s at the heart of so many of us, that desire to ‘check out’ of life. This is the birthplace of addictions.

“Addiction wraps itself around a person, giving their natural appetites an artificial life of their own, while simultaneously short-circuiting their ability to function normally. Loss of control appears in everyone’s definition. Eventually the substance or process once sought to fill the emotional void and bring pleasure becomes the slave-driver. It demands repetitive use.” (Melinda Fish, ‘I Can’t be an Addict, I’m a Christian’)

So, what’s the answer?

We need to know who we are and what’s available to us in terms of ‘reality’. God promises us the “abundant life”. It sounds great! Full of abundance and plenty. The thing is this: the Israelites had to go through the wilderness to get to their land of abundance.

Our PRIMARY battle is always in the mind. In the moment, as we pause, we need to ask, “God what lie have I accepted that is allowing this to tempt me and telling me I cannot survive my current reality without it when you have everything I need to get through this?” I can promise you it is most likely a lie about Him. When you are at home and you are bored or lonely and that little voice offers pornography as a way out, identify that option as a lie and ask God for his truth.

The truth is that God wants your freedom more than you do. He paid the ultimate price for it and is always setting you up for success. Freedom cost Him something; it will cost you something. Sink into His love and ‘stand firm’. You were born to win this war.

— Soo Prince (Intern)