Good Addictions

Any of us could probably make a long list of harmful addictions. And we would probably think most often of the addictions of others. But we should especially focus on our own. We might use a milder word for the word addiction, the word habit. If we have enough good habits we won*t have time for the bad ones. We should tire ourselves out practicing the good habits so we will be too tired to practice the bad ones. Our flesh wants bad habits, but God will help us break the bad ones and acquire good ones. We won*t give account to God for the bad habits of others but we will give account for our own. I would define a bad habit as one God does not want us to have and I would define a good one as one that He does want us to have. The word addicted only appears once in the Bible and the word habit does not appear anywhere in the Bible. The Bible does speak of things that ought to be done daily or day and night. Thinking about what God wants us to think about at all times would be the first good habit we try to cultivate. That habit will help us form many other good habits. Thinking is meditating.

Psalms 1:2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

2 Corinthians 10:5: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Corinthians 16:15: I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

The ministry of the saints would be a good addiction. Notice the phrase they have addicted themselves. Praising the Lord every day is another one.

Psalms 113:3: From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD*S name is to be praised.

Several good habits are concentrated in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22: Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

It is a good habit to confess our sins daily or oftener. We should be addicted to studying the Bible, praying and meditating. We should be addicted to unselfish service of God and others.

Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Acts 2:46: And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 17:11: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Care to discuss Good Addictions with Ron?

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