WHY EVEN christians fall for addictions when trouble strikes them, is there a way out for this concern. justin

sean14- 8/24/2007 6:01:20 PM

Christians fall into addictions when trouble strikes them because they have not put in other behaviors in place to take the place of their addictive behavior. All addictions are coping mechanisms for whatever is plaguing the individual- for example stress, marital difficulties, etc. Addictions can alter your brain's chemistry too --- just by becoming a Christian does not automatically make a person immune to their temptations and struggles with addictions. The wonderful part of being a Christian, though, is to know that God can bring us through and out of our addictions. Here are some strategies that you(or if this is not for you--for the other person) might find helpful: acknowledge your addiction, have someone in your life who you can be accountable to (i.e. a pastor or good Christian buddy), put other things in place of the behavior--for example, if your addiction was drinking and it happens every Friday and Saturday because one is lonely, then you would want to put something else in your life during those times of the day so that you are not focussed on drinking, as well, remove anything from your life that will cause the least bit of temptation---this is so hard for everyone--this might mean, for example, that the alcoholic must remove ALL alcohol and not even drive by the bar. Habits can be very hard to break, but it does involve a total change in your behavior and a totally new way of thinking. In addition to all of this, have as many people as possible praying for you and supporting you. Read the bible as much as you can. Remember there were people in the bible who also struggled with addiction (such as sexual sin) and although they fell--they also were described such as David was as a "man after God's own heart." There is redemption and forgiveness and don't forget that Christians also have the wonderful gift of God's grace. There is victory in every situation--some are so much harder to navigate but God truly does want people free of their temptations and to be able to become the "temple of the holy spirit" so that others may see the difference in their life and believe. I hope this helps.

donna- 8/24/2007 7:35:41 PM

We need to keep in mind that Christians may be at more risk for addictions, not less, because of the ongoing spiritual battle. The evil one wants Christians to slip and fall, and addictions can be a powerful way to do that. If we are praying, reading the Bible and spending time with God, we can be protected. If we are not doing these things, then we may have no more protection than non-Christians, but may be tempted even more by the evil one and his spirits. God can protect anyone from these problems, but we need to ask and we need to really be living for Him.

tom- 8/25/2007 10:52:06 AM

Thank you for your reply. when trouble strikes people need a easy way out. so christians too fall for various ways to cope. is there any easy methods to follow.specially if you are in finacial difficulty.how could you cope. Justin

sean14- 8/27/2007 3:45:29 PM

If you are in financial difficulty, if it was possible, I would seek out some good Christian resources/people to talk to who might be willing to give me some advice. As well, I would make sure I was tithing. It sounds opposite to what you would want to do if you barely have any money to even scrape by, but if you tithe, you really will see that money return many times over to you. As well, make sure all your purchases are justifiable ones that you really need and ask God to give you wisdom on areas you can save or find things cheaper.

donna- 8/27/2007 5:55:11 PM

Hey Justin, How are you doing on this?

Reflector- 1/20/2008 6:21:06 PM

The best advice I can offer you is to pray about everything.
If you get down, don't stay down. Get right back up and try again.
Take everything that is bothering you to the Lord in prayer.
(Give Him your thanks and praises too!)
Talk to the Lord. He is there and can offer you wisdom and direction for every detail of your life. (Stay in the Word.)

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her." Proverbs 3:6-18
God bless you!

Ignited~Faith- 3/20/2008 6:25:43 AM

James 4:7 Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Jesus came to set the captives free. Addictions hold you captive. Submit yourself to God. Pray the word of God without ceasing. Resist the devil (desire) and he will flee. You may have to do this every hour on day one, then every other hour day two, etc. The longer you resist, the easier it becomes to resist, because your inner man is getting stronger. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

mrspiggy- 3/20/2008 8:56:17 AM