What are you willing to give up? (Addiction must fall 2)

The core of all this goes to that question, “Where am I weak?” Keep pushing into this one question with the Father. Ask Him repeatedly to show you.

Jesus is in the process of sanctifying us as believers – freeing us from sinful habits and forming us in Christlike affections and virtues. To sanctify something is to “set it apart for the use intended by its designer”.

How beautiful is that? Perhaps a better word than “Sanctify” is “Restore”. Jesus is in the process of restoring you, resurrecting you.

But to be resurrected, some things have to go die and go into the tomb. The “new you” that walks out, free of those addictions will be able to enjoy new freedoms, take new territories and experience the “MORE” God has to offer.

Presently, there are some “limiters” in your life. Those habits that keep tripping you up. You make progress, vow to “never again” and you stumble. It feels like one step forward, three steps back. The enemy mocks you in this – Goliath taunts you that “you’ll never be anything more than this addiction”. Those things limit your growth. They limit your testimony.

God has “MORE” for us. These habits, addictions, lusts, the entertainment we watch … He wants “MORE”. I must remind myself over and over … the things I tolerate, He won’t tolerate. The things I watch in entertainment, He doesn’t watch. The things I let creep into my life, He won’t let creep into His life.

Let me smack you in the face a bit (because it smacked me hard in my face!) …

What are you living for? That’s well defined by what it is you’re unwilling to give up. The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked,“What must I do?” and Jesus went right at him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me.” Jesus knew that one thing this man was holding onto for dear life. In essence Jesus is asking him and us – “What are you living for, Me or the money?” He wants to kill some of these weaknesses us and purify them with fire. Think of dead limbs down in your backyard. Jesus wants to clean up the dead material and toss it in the fire.

It’s the same with these addictions. He is in the process of restoration in us, but we’ve got to be willing participants.

So, what is it men? What is it in your life that needs to go? Is it the porn? Do you need to cut the cable on TV? Is it booze? You may not be addicted but what is it bringing you? Does it bring life? Is Jesus in that? Does He want “MORE” from you than a nightly glass of booze?

Is it your incessant need for approval from others? Is it an obsession with lust/sex? Success/money? The need to be in control or the one always talking or the one who is always right? What is it that needs to be tossed in the fire? Is anything fair game? He gave it ALL for you. What are you willing to give up for Him?