Addicted 1 (of 4)
Last year I wrote a book called Confessions of a Pastor. Today I’m making a new confession:
I’m an addict.
No, I don’t have a sexual addiction. I’m not addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medicine. And I’m not going to deliver a clever punch line, like: “I’m addicted to studying the Bible.”
I have a serious addiction that I’m working hard to overcome. Thankfully, with a lot of prayer and hard work, I’m making significant progress.
Truth is, many of us are addicted. Some addictions are frowned upon. Others often go unmentioned (and are even readily accepted).
You might have one of the more commonly accepted addictions. For example:
• You might be addicted to pleasing people.
• You might be addicted to perfection.
• You might be addicted to email or blogging.
• You might be addicted to work.
Tomorrow I’ll tell you about my addiction. As the week continues, I’ll tell you how I’m overcoming this dangerous addiction.
What are you addicted to? What are you doing to overcome it?
Visit 
I of course don’t have any addictions. After having parents and siblings and nephews/neices and my own children with addictions of sex, alcohol, heroin etc., I have figured out how to avoid them (sic).
Seriously, to understand my own addiction, I need someone who can look honestly and objectively at my life. And I have to be ready to stretch it emotionally and intellectually- to think rigourously and honestly about my life in order to recognize and nail my addiction.
Addiction seems like a script I run by, but I am not even aware it was ever written or that there can be something different.
Perfectionist productivity (and apparently alliterations).
If I am not “doing” something with some tangible and measurable result, I feel like I’m being lazy. My husband hates this. I’ve turned many vacations into help-the-homeless mission trips. Fortunately, he is there and is brave enough to tell me to stop.
In life, there is nothing wrong with productivity. In fact I know the Bible has some harsh things to say about people who are lazy. But this is one of those you mention goes unnoticed a lot, to the point where it’s unhealthy - and maybe even expected.
I’ve also been wondering lately if we can be addicted to worry…
I’m addicted to caffeine.
Craig, you had to make me think. Uggh. I would say I’m addicted to work. I really don’t enjoy myself when I’m off. I take off and I don’t go into the office when I’m off but I’m not there. I have a hard time relaxing. I’m always looking ahead. My mind never shuts down.
My wife and I watched your message this weekend (I was on vacation) and you pegged me. She even said that is you. I’m there but I’m not there.
I’ve stopped pulling out my computer except when my wife is on. I try to watch how my wife engages with people intimately too. I realize that I need to be there emotionally and physically.
Craig,
I am addicted to caffeine. I hope that doesn’t sound too insignificant, but if I don’t have caffeine everyday, I get headaches, I’m irritable, etc. This addiction has affected my weight AND my bank account (Starbucks and Dr. Pepper aren’t cheap)! I know some people will laugh and say that I’m being ridiculous, but I would bet that I’m not the only one…
This may sound strange but my wife and I have recently come to the realization that I’m addicted to learning/information. Consequently, I find myself surfing the web A LOT. At church I can be researching something and then stumble across something that is not church-related and I’ve wasted time.
The way I have handled it is to block certain sites on my internet through an internet monitoring system. I am a huge football fan of one southern university so I have to block a certain site at work so that I will not be ‘tempted’ to read it all day long.
It sounds silly but the internet is addicting - especially for learners - and I’ve had to put up barriers so that I can be sure to be a more effective steward of the time God has given me.
For what it’s worth, I do NOT consider this blog a hindrance ;-)
There doesn’t seem to be any great way to say, “I’m looking forward to hearing more about your addiction.” But I am intrigued by this series of posts. I’ll definitely be reading tomorrow…I’ve got FOX news in the office pool.
I am addicted to “people pleasing” — but I have to say I’m in recovery. I’ve been in places in my life where I have allowed such amazingly unhealthy boundaries just to save a relationship! I came to a place about 5 years ago where the Lord showed me that I absolutely, positively could do nothing more for this other person who was struggling in her marriage. It was so heart-breaking for me (and for my husband who was also dragged into the situation)to have to watch this couples’ marriage fail — and to witness the pain and fallout afterward.
My lesson was that sometimes I just have to let go of a relationship (with the notable exception of my marriage!). Since then, when I find myself getting dragged in, I am quicker to take the relationship before the Lord and ask Him where my boundary line should be drawn. It’s still difficult for me, but I realize that to think that I HAVE to stay involved is prideful and unhealthy… I forget that God does not have to follow MY plan of action for others — how silly of me to forget that so often! I’m so grateful for His patience with me!
Dave, I understand what you mean about having someone look objectively at your life. That’s one thing I’ve needed to overcome what I’ve been battling.
Anne, I can relate to what you’re saying about feeling lazy. That is a big challenge for me too.
Kevin, I know most pastors feel like you. Hope this week’s posts help some.
Andy, That doesn’t sound too insignificant at all. I pray you beat the caffeine addiction!
Charlie, I’m guessing your challenge is very common. I too have made certain sites “off-limits.”
Bryan, Glad you’re excited about my addiction! :)
Carmen, So glad to hear you are recovering from “people pleasing!”
I am addicted to Progress. I am being very intentional about putting things into an appropriate perspective and encouraging those closest to me, to help in this area. Balance is important!
Craig, I am seriously addicted to entertainment. Whether it’s Big Brother, Survivor, American Idol, Lost, Grey’s Anatomy or college football, NFL, or golf - I find myself drawn to spend more time being entertained by these TV productions than spending time with my Father either in prayer or reading His Word. I know this breaks His heart. This week, I will reclaim my quiet time. No TV unless I’ve spent meaningful time with God daily.
I think I’m addicted to perfectionism. Sometimes in a bad way (esp. when I expect if from my wife). For me it’s a very broad concept so it encompasses a lot of things, some of which are far from being desirable. I think I only ralised it recently so I’m only starting to realize that I need to work getting rid of it. If you have any help for me, it’s very welcome.
Scott, You’re right… balance is important.
Kyle, Thanks for your honesty! I love your commitment to “no TV before time with God.” Great stuff.
Marcin, Maybe some of our readers can offer you some wisdom to overcome the need for perfection.
wow :P - I’m not sure about what my addiction could be.
I think I was a people pleaser, till I met Godly friends and there in unconditional love (not to mention from God).
I think I’m a perfectionist too, but I’ve learned to try to have a balance - I think I still struggle here. Slowly I have learnt to not worry about the small things. But in regards to Marcin’s comment, in the area of relationships I think being more mindful(which i need to develop more) helps. Something makes me think of Paul saying if I have not love, I am nothing (or something similar). It helps me when I feel a need to rebuke someone - I’m reminded to have love in correction. I think the idea of surrendering to God is great too!
I also have problems with the learning/research area - sometimes I can spend hours researching about new technologies.
It would be great to have a tool that can nail your addiction in a sense (like the ldp spiritual gifts tool).
Sugar.
World of Warcraft. ( used to be an addiction )
Over-thinking.
It’s crazy, but as a church planter one of my greatest struggles is checking out other church websites. The effect is seems as negatively powerful as porn. My fellow planting teammates have started to treat it as such. We have noticed a significant downward spiral can occur in my life (spiritually, physically, and emotionally) that seems to be kicked off by my wandering eyes and jealous heart. I know that it’s bad for me, I know it’s sin to be so jealous of other churches, but I am compelled.
Suraj, Let me know if you come up with the tool to measure addictions! :)
Brandon, Thanks for sharing!
Brian, I sincerely appreciate your honesty.
I loved the book “confessions” in fact it is sitting in front of me right now, as I am planning a lesson on “Feeling Completely Inadequate. One of the best books I read for awhile.
http://www.matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org
Also, listened to one of you talks. super. You are a great worker for the Lord
I think I’ve realized that I am addicted to challenges. I’m always trying to achieve a goal and do more when I get there. It’s not about being better or anything like that–it’s a sense of accomplishment that I have a goal and can push to achieve it. I set deadlines and it is almost like a competition within myself. It’s positive because it has moved me to a much better place in life (emotionally, etc). However, because of this constant wanting to do more–physically, spiritually, educationally, parenting, everything—it is very difficult to just stop, absorb it all, listen and enjoy.
Hey. First time to wander around here. Brian Ahern invited me to visit.
I’m addicted to overstating.
Best on the planet at it, actually.
Jay
I’m addicted to perfection. I’ve shared this with the congregation I pastor, and unfortunately, many of them thought I was bragging. I had to go back and explain that perfectionism doesn’t mean we think we’re perfect. It means that no matter how hard we work, or how much we polish our craft, it will never be good enough… at least we don’t think it’s good enough.
My problem is that I thought I was only asking the impossible of myself. Recently I’ve come to see that I’ve been asking the impossible of those around me, too. God is good and has given me the chance to start healing some relationships that have been damaged by my perfectionism.
Re: Perfectionism - I heard a great talk from Nicky Gumbel - Strive for perfectionism, settle for excellence. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it…because for crazy people like us :) striving for it is usually where we lose sight of the perfectionism/excellent line. But maybe that helps.
i am addicted to a few things - talking to my friends about Jesus - so much so it drives them crazy - it is all i talk about. And working out - especially running and yoga - but one of my favorites is working out at the gym with girls who do not know Jesus and telling them about Him.( i have spent hours on treadmills discussing God goodness)
and one crazy other addiction is big gulps from 7-11 - i love the cups and the ice more than the drink but you have to pay for the “whole” thing rather you put soda or not.
but i do have to say - God has healed me from drinking every day from the age of 20 to 29 and He healed me from smoking for 13 years - ( i have been smoke free for 1 whole year as of aug 10!!!) so i think yoga and big gulps are strongholds Jesus can over come for me too!!!
Misti, Congrats on overcoming drinking and smoking! Way to go!
Misti, I think the addiction to telling friends about Jesus is great! I can’t say the same - many times I have to compel myself to share the gospel :[
It’s funny that you should be righting about addictions. God has just shown how great he is. I have been trying to over-come self-addiction. It is so important not to forget about dying to your-self, and renewing. Pastor Craig has said it time and time again. By the way, Thank you so much for your leadership. YOU ROCK!!!! God is Good
thanks guys for the encouragement- Suraj - i have had 2 bosses at work tell me to cool it on the Jesus talk- even though they both said the knew the Lord… but now i am the “boss” so to speak - (my boss is at a different location) - and i am the one of least on fire for God at my work… so it is good at work we all talk about God a LOT… and i am usually not the one to bring Him up these days.. (and took the place of one of the old bosses)
[...] Most people do not understand addiction. Serious addiction! This week I was reading one of my favorite blogs at LifeChurch.tv, I really respect how open Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel is in his posts. It takes a lot of courage to be so transparent. This week he started a 4 part series on addiction. Of course, this is a great week for me to do a little introspection and reading these posts made me think of all the addictions in my life [...]
I’m addicted to people pleasing…I’m constantly fearing I’ll do or say something that will make me lose my job or make me seem arrogant/standoffish/strange. On a more serious note, my girlfriend has an addiction to alcohol. If anyone knows a cheap or free therapy (Christian rehab preferred) that can help her, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.