Confronting addiction is a topic youth workers and ministry leaders should care about. Why? The answers might surprise you. Read on for one youth pastor’s story. Plus, discover tips for overcoming negative habits and mindsets.
I live for the rush. I love pushing boundaries and going farther than anyone intends. And I’ll try something just so I can say I’ve accomplished it. I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit called me to focus that “rush” mentality into the Great Commission!
You see, I’m a second-generation Christian with a family history of substance abuse and addiction. So I know the sins of my fathers. Maybe my rush to do new things is a reaction to avoid “big” sins. But in the process, still I stumbled into addictive behavior.
I recognized my self-addiction when I fasted from coffee. Yeah, I gave up caffeine to get to know Jesus better. But the withdrawals were horrible! While abstaining, I realized I wasn’t serving to glorify God. No, I’d been trying to gratify my selfish desires through working for Jesus. I was in trouble.
Confronting Addiction Symptoms
These symptoms of addiction caught my attention. They made me realize I was a workaholic for Jesus.
- Continuing despite significant detrimental effects on relationships, education, health, etc.
- Frequently using more (or longer) than originally intended.
- Frequent cravings.
- Failing to address important obligations as a result.
- Continuing to use when it may be physically dangerous. Examples include while driving, working, or watching children.
- Inability to cut down or stop using even though you want to.
- Developing a tolerance.
- Developing withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction isn’t just for rebels. It isn’t limited to “bad sins” like drugs, porn, and alcoholism. Christian addiction is evident in many areas. These include seeking comfort, controlling other people, curating an image, performing good works, a propensity for laziness… The list goes on.
Now, I’m not minimizing substance abuse and other addictions. I’m advocating that we realize we all struggle. And addictions hurt people. They hurt the addicts, families, churches, teens in our ministries, and coworkers.
So please take a moment, leader. Ask if pleasing yourself has become an addiction. If you answered yes, then you’re addicted to you. And it’s killing your soul.
Confronting Addiction: What Scripture Says
Paul challenges the Philippian church to follow Jesus’ example. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Youth ministers must recognize we’re leading God’s people. If we aren’t stewarding our soul, then we miss other people’s needs. Self-focus replaces generosity. Evangelism evaporates. Our role becomes an empty list of responsibilities instead of Spirit-led obedience.
