Nougat 11

How many of us have ‘fun addictions’? As in we’re caffeine addicts, have a sweet tooth, we’re shopaholics, it’s all about mobile time, or we’re nuts about nuts? Nothing is wrong with fun addictions within reason; however today’s Holy Nougat invites us to think about our relationship with stuff.

“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So what happens when our fun addictions deter us from deepening our intimacy with God? Or, we discovered the negative impact on our health? It’s time to jump ship isn’t it. To quickly walk away from the lure of the addiction, inviting God to intervene if/when we realize we can’t find enough self control. As a bookworm and a recovering (low-grade) shopaholic, I know it is easier said than done.

And sometimes we have to dig deeper, to figure out the root cause of the addiction, just as if it was harmful. For, truthfully, if it is an addiction, it is highly likely to affect our relationships, finances and our health. Moreover, as ‘harmless’ as it is, we often attach to an addictive behavior or action as an escape from something else. Otherwise, we might be extremists.

I agree that fun addictions seem far removed from intentional and persistent sin; yet one realizes that the decision to maintain a lifestyle counter to God’s truth and laws are somewhat similar. For when tradition is followed more rigorously than God’s Word, it is time to step back. If we find ourselves going through motions, but failing to establish or maintain that deep relationship with God – it’s time to check in with God. If we aren’t bearing fruit (influencing others to Christ) or find we aren’t demonstrating the Fruit of God’s Spirit; it could be that the block comes from misplaced priorities.

While there’s no sacrifice that covers such sins, it may be that our yearning for God’s grace will point us back home. Hence, we stop to question why there’s distance between us and God, why we are not bearing fruit or demonstrating the Fruit of God’s Spirit. When we recognize that it has links to repetitive unconfessed sin; it is time to begin anew with Jesus, for the much-needed transformation.

May we find the courage to recognize spiritual addictions, unconfessed sin and unhealthy attitudes that place a strain on our relationship with Jesus.

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May all we seek be found in Christ