“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” 2 PETER 2:19
The world taught us that we could find satisfaction apart from God. They taught us that we can always do anything that makes us happy. But the truth is these pleasures that we call “freedom” could lead to sin. This sin will enslave us and cause our addiction that will hinder us from doing what honors God.
One of our worst downfalls as human beings is idolatry. Idolatry is something or someone that takes the place of God in your heart. It may be vices like drinking, smoking, drugs, or gambling. It can also be about sex or pornography. And subtle addictions like shopping, food, social media, and love.
Sometimes, our way of coping with stress is through these pleasures. Yes, it will make you feel better temporarily, but its effect will be forever because it will tempt you to long for more and more. Then, sooner or later, you’ll see yourself stuck in a loophole of a never-ending cycle of always wanting more.
You will know if it’s an idol in your life, if it’s taking too much of your time, it’s wasting your resources, it’s dividing your relationships, it affects your relationship with God, and worse, if you’re in denial despite all these signs. And because of all these, you are falling short of the person God designed you to be.
The first step you have to do is admit that you are being controlled and enslaved to what your body wants. You must also remember that repentance comes after humility. You must be willing to let go of anything that hinders your spiritual growth. To be free from this sin, look to the One who is the cure for your addiction. Look to the One who gave you life to set you free.
Blaise Pascal once said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” Understand that it is only through His power that we can find true freedom and satisfaction. Because the truth is, you will never be satisfied apart from Jesus. So today, rest in the fact that when you put Him in the center of your life, He promises nothing but joy and rest.