Some people will listen to and be challenged by ideas in fiction form but will not give them the time of day in real life. Jesus used parables to drive home his point. Nathan the profit used story to get King David to realized his own sin. And the truth is, there are some thing we need to open up the conversation about.
Addictions have invaded the church. Whether you are touched by it in your own life or know someone who is, we cannot ignore it. Jesus came to set the captives free. And we are His arms to reach out to the broken. We cannot do this in judgement. Jesus first healed THEN told them to go away and sin no more. There is a time to call them higher. But what did the woman need first when caught in adultery?
Many do not ask for the help they need to overcome addictions because they fear rejection and harsh judgment. We have to change the environment. The church is for the hurting.
We need to learn how to love the person. Help them walk towards healing without condoning the sin on the one hand, but without shaming them on the other.
We cannot sweep it under the rug. We have an enemy. There is a battle afoot. But we need to remember we are not at war with each other. If soldiers in an army shoot each other, the enemy would easily win. We need to help each other overcome. Without condoning the sin and without shaming others into compliance.
Compliance on the outside does not win the battle. It is a battle for the hearts and minds and souls that Jesus died for. Some will choose to live in the enemy camp. But let’s not send them there if they are willing to fight and do what they have to in order to be free.
None of us is without sin. And if we condemn our brothers and sisters for their sin, where does that leave us? We should with caution and humility, point out what God has to say about behavior, then stand arm and arm helping each other stand fast.
I like the scene in Lord of the Rings when Frodo and Sam are on the way up the mountain of Mordor to destroy the ring. Frodo is spent. Sam says, “I may not be able to carry the ring, but I can carry you.” Yes, the evil had to be destroyed. But Sam didn’t destroy Frodo in order to see it done. He carried Frodo to the point where he could do it himself.
We need to carry people closer to the great physician. The one who heals, forgives and sets the captives free. NOT slay them where they stand because they are weak. We are all weak and in need of a savior.
A few things to keep in mind.
Our own frailty and sinful nature. NONE of us is without sin, fault and temptations. Although some sins carry a greater natural consequence (STDs, jail, broken relationships, etc.), ALL sin is equal in that it separates us from a right relationship with God.
Our experience with overcoming is not the only experience God brings people through. Sometimes God delivers in a moment, but sometimes he allows people to do the hard work of choosing to follow Him through every step necessary to find freedom. He alone understands why. Trust Him with the other person’s (or your own) process.
An understanding of addictions – especially if you have never walked this road. Addictions have both a physical aspect as well as a spiritual. This brings compassion to the equation.
The power and strength of our amazing God. He alone is able. We can only overcome our addictions in a limited way without the full power of our God behind us.
Have you encountered addictions in the church? What has been your response?
Have you encountered judgement because of your own addictions?
