Are You Addicted?

I am surprised to find the word addicted in a King James Bible. What does it mean? Then we need to ask this question next. Am I addicted?

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance definition for addicted uses the Greek word, tasso (5021), which means to arrange in an orderly manner, appoint, ordain, or set.

Mr. Webster gives this definition for addicted, to devote or surrender oneself to something habitually or obsessively.

We only see this word addicted used once in the New Testament. Paul is talking to the Corinthian Church about the house of Stephanas, and how they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15).

Do you see where Paul is leading us to? We are to see the word ministry is the object he is talking about. When ministry becomes our sole focus in life, then we are the most happy. We are able to show Jesus in us, to those whom we minister to.

As you read and study this chapter, you will find out that the ministry Paul is talking about is not preaching. Far from it in this case. It is physical ministry, food, lodging, fellowship, money and love for each other. Something the modern Church has totally lost, except in word only.

The “Christian cliché, I love you”, means no more than our polite manner when we ask someone how they are. We do not really care how they are, it is just the polite thing to do. This has become the “norm” in the organized church today.

I will use my own life as an example as to what I mean. We have lived here in Virginia for about twenty years and counting. We have been members of our local church for at least fifteen years, maybe more. At every service the people we talk with on a regular basis say, “I love you”.

It is just something they have been taught to say. There is no depth to it. Let me explain to you what I mean before you get too upset with me. I love my wife, and I enjoy being with her. So, I try to do things for her that shows her I really do love her. My actions express my feelings more than just words. As a couple in our local church, we have never seen the inside of anyone’s home, much less been invited to dinner or just to visit with them.

Let me back up here a little and rephrase that, as there are several exceptions. One couple did invite us to their home while he was trying to convince us to move here and go to work for him. Which I did, but several months later he let me go. I can only think of two other times anyone had us over to dinner or fellowship, and these were close friends. But that is all I can think of from our church family that has invited us into their homes in twenty years.

Our church is probably made up of fifty to seventy families, maybe more. Most of these people never leave their seats except when it is time to go home. Most never go to someone they do not know and try to make them feel at home.

Friends, this is not the way Christians are supposed to act. If we really love each other (John 13:35) then we want to be with them. Don’t use “I love you” as a cliché, use it only when you really mean it. New people that come into our assemblies, want to feel loved, and at home. They hear all this great sounding talk, and then no one backs it up with any actions.

Stop being so busy in the “rat race”, and get back into the race of life we are supposed to be in. One that will matter for all eternity. Invite someone into your home that you do not know for some fellowship and food. You may find out that they are really loveable, and you will be blessed (Hebrews 13:2). Even if they are not loveable, maybe being around you will touch their heart and encourage them to become more like Jesus also. You never know what your simple act of love will do in their lives.

We are all here on this earth to represent the Word of God (Jesus). Your home does not need to be out of a Better Homes and Garden magazine, just one that is full of love and peace. People know when there is love and peace in the home, and they will be comfortable. Just be real and watch what Jesus does with your life.

To answer my question, “Are You Addicted”, can only be answered by you. Please consider becoming addicted to hospitality (! Peter 4:9, Hebrews 13:2 Romans 12:13), and your Father will be pleased with your efforts in this life of love for others.

Always be encouraged, and never forget, You will make it, just don’t give up. See you next week.