Years ago when the western U.S. was being settled roads were often just wagon tracks. These rough trails posed serious problems for those who traveled them. On one of these winding paths was posted a sign which read: “Avoid this rut or you’ll be in it for the next 25 miles!” A habit is something you can do without thinking. Habits or addictions that we form in life are most commonly linked to negative aspects of our lives we want to avoid. However while addictions are most commonly associated with bad habits there are addictions that we need to form in life such as attending church, reading our Bibles, praying before meals, etc. We read about a man in the Bible who was commended for having a godly addiction and from whom we should learn to live similarly.
Title: Get Addicted
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
§ Get Addicted to God’s Ways – God’s authority is to rule every aspect of our lives (Colossians 3:17). The Bible’s avenue of authority is quite clear. Has God commanded it, implied it, or approved it – if He didn’t then we need to abstain. But all the while we must remember that God’s ways are perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). When I have to make decisions in life there is constant worry and hesitancy regarding its merit. There is no worry concerning God’s way – we can obey it cheerfully and without fear. There is confidence in God’s ways. In Deuteronomy 8:1-6 Moses reminded the people that God had proven Himself trustworthy during the wilderness wanderings. Why would they begin to doubt Him now? Because of that confidence my entire being should be wrapped up in serving God. According to Deuteronomy 6:1-6 my degree of love will be my degree of service. This involves incorporating God’s ways into our own thus we need to get addicted to God’s ways.
§ Get Addicted to Good Works – God’s grace motivates our zeal in good works (Titus 2:11-14). We do not do good works for good works’ sake but for God’s sake, to please and serve Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Titus 3:8). In what good works could I be involved? I could be a Bible class teacher, work with young people, help with various events, etc. Any eldership would love to have an entire congregation come and ask them for something to do because they want to work. In Ephesians 2:10 we are identified as God’s workmanship, created unto good works. But those works need to be engrafted into our lives, we must get addicted.
§ Get Addicted to Going to the World – In his book, The Seed Principle, Aubrey Johnson stated, “Of all the people you meet, 100% possess an immortal soul. Saving those souls is the responsibility of 100% of God’s people. And watching for soul-saving opportunities should fill 100% of a Christian’s waking hours. Soul consciousness is essential for the business of evangelism to succeed. Those who sow continuously, bountifully, and fervently will find their efforts blessed.” The Great Commission is an every day command for an every day people and must be an every day purpose. If going to the world with the gospel does not consume my life I must ask what does? This means I look for opportunity, but that at times I make opportunity. Jesus stated in John 4:34-35 that the fields are white to harvest but that he is constantly in need of workers to enter His vineyard. Opportunities abound but we must look for more. How committed are we to ensuring the success of the gospel in our community and in our world? We must obtain the attitude of the apostles and not allow our evangelistic attitude to be quenched (Acts 4:18-20). But to maintain that zeal we must get addicted!
These things should not become habits for habits’ sake but they should be regular activities in which we are involved. These are addictions that will glorify God and build up the church – what more motivation should we need to get addicted?