Addictions

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Hi! My name is Serene and I am a computer addict.

Aaarrgghh! It dawned upon me recently that I am actually rather addicted to the computer! And I was addicted, till recently, to coffee and retail therapy as well!

I have realised that for me, my addictions are a form of escapism. When I am stressed, I turn to the computer for relief, instead of the Lord. I tell myself that I am researching for a better curriculum/household appliance/book/toy/
clothes…the list goes on, to help me in my job as a mom. But seriously, am I really doing that? I am actually using that excuse to justify my escape from either the children or work that I am supposed to be doing.

Addictions are a terrible thing to have. As Christians, it is even worse! Addictions mean that we have put something/someone else ABOVE God! And we have therefore violated the first and greatest commandment to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37.

What other addictions can one have?

• Coffee/Tea – the caffeine fix
• Retail Therapy or Shopping
• Food
• TV
• Talking on the telephone
• Going out

…the list goes on. Anyone or anything can be an addiction. Ask yourself, what is the first thing you do or think of doing when you are stressed? That would be your “god”, your addiction. I am not saying that you can’t do anything to de-stress. But you have to be honest with yourself – are you de-stressing or escaping?

What do all these things, I listed above, have in common? Each of them provides instantaneous stress relief but are all temporary and you need it in increasing amounts. Notice how the next time you get stressed, you would need to surf more, shop more, eat more to get the same kind of relief.

So what is a mom to do?

How can we turn away from our addictions? I don’t think there is an easy way at all. We need to go to our source of strength and wisdom and comfort – Jesus. We just have to ask God for help and then discipline ourselves. And, if necessary, get an accountability partner.

Jesus says,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

When we are stressed, we need to stop turning to useless, temporary “gods” for relief. We need to go to God and ask for his help.

As for me, I have made a resolution to not turn on the computer till I have finished all the work I need to complete each day. Oh Lord, help me! 🙂

How about you?

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