“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Addiction has a voice which says, “You must.” It is an oppressive power that will not let one “off the hook” until it is obeyed. But God would not have us brought under the power of anyone or anything but Him. He has a voice that calls us to obedience, but He is not a slave driver. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He is not lying when He tells us what we have to do in order to find life and health. Addiction speaks with a lying, threatening voice of intimidation. The first step in breaking free is to recognize you’re being lied to.
Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) If knowing the truth makes us free, then believing a lie brings us into bondage. Jesus sets captives free. Those who have long been held captive lose hope they’ll ever get free. The voice of addiction is also a voice of despair. But somewhere deep down in the depths of darkness and despair we must hear the word of the Savior: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Christ has the power to rescue all who call out to Him from the deepest addiction. No power is greater than His power.
Here is the testimony of every rescued believer who cried out to Jesus when all appeared impossible: “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God …” (Psalm 40:2,3)
Have you experienced the great salvation that is in Christ Jesus? If you have you are no longer oppressed by any power of sin or Satan. You are free indeed. Continue to listen to the Shepherd’s voice. Beware of the voice of the stranger who would bring you back into any form of captivity. You only “have to” do what God wants you to do, and you do so because you want to. Obey no other power but God.