In the context of a small group Bible study, I recently expressed concern about how we "justify" some sins, specifically how we consider some addictions (i.e. caffeine) acceptable. I don't think anyone would claim that they (we) do this. But only minutes after sharing my concerns, conversation was lagging and someone joked, "Looks like some of us could use a little caffeine to wake up!" The rest of the group members laughed and/or gave nods of agreement. I was in disbelief. I couldn't have come up with a stronger piece of evidence to support the concerns I had just spoke of. Would it ever be acceptable- let alone humorous, let alone embraced- for someone to say in a Bible study, "Looks like we could use a little booze to liven up the discussion!"????
Addiction is NEVER a humorous condition, regardless of the object of the addiction. If I need something to be able to function, I am addicted to that something. Now I'm not claiming that all addiction is necessarily inherently sinful... I honestly don't know what to do with that. For instance, I am addicted to my medications- I cannot function without them. And it has been a looong journey to find peace in depending on medication as an act of faithful reception of God's grace in providing these meds, and furthermore being grateful for them. I honestly don't know what to do with "addictions" that seem healthy. But I passionately believe that we need to stop joking about some addictions while looking in complete disgust on other addictions.
I would even go so far as to say that the sins that we justify and accept are more toxic to our souls because we do not recognize the foothold that Satan is gaining through those continued sins. Therefore we are not fighting him, and he is able to gain more and more ground daily.
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