“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)
There is an evil compulsion that drives men to do things that bring them destruction and shame. But there is also a good compelling force that can also so possess a man that he must do what God is willing and working in him.
Jesus felt this “must” when it was time for Him to complete His mission. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (Matt. 16:21)
Peter may have objected to it, but neither hell nor high water was going to stop the Son of God from finishing the work the Father gave Him to do. “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51)
This mighty working of God’s Spirit is the reward of submission. Those that give themselves over to do the will of God at all times become vessels of honor that He is pleased to work in and through for His glory.
Paul knew this holy compulsion at work in him. He would not glory in himself; he gloried in the God who chose to use him for His own glory. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16)
The addict doesn’t care how much a mess he is making of his life, or the life of anyone else. He has to do what he has to do. He is driven. Saints of God who are wholly given over to their Lord become those who are addicted to the ministry. “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (1 Cor. 16:15)
God’s addicts will never be ashamed by their compulsion. They don’t care what people think of them or their work. Divine power is mightily moving in them and they are bringing forth much fruit in which God is being glorified. They have no interest in stopping the flow of His Spirit in their life. Woe to them if they kick their holy habit!