Christian Family Services Ministry

9-19-2022 – A Word to the Wise – A major indicator of a lack of gratitude in one’s life is the presence of addiction. How is addiction and lack of gratitude intertwined?

The addictive person is a self-absorbed person. His existence has been centered in “getting” for himself. By changing direction from how much can I get to how much can I give, the covetous person is able to set aside addiction. How does one come to the point where they are willing to give instead of get?

By experiencing gratitude. The characteristic of gratitude is the central truth by which the addict changes. Gratitude is an inward attitude directed towards the Lord, expressing appreciation for all benefits received from Him. It is experienced in the spirit of man.

Gratitude is manifested in an outward expression called thankfulness. It originates in the heart. Giving is a result of the inward attitude of gratitude and an outward expression of thanksgiving.

This change is imperative if the addict is to find peace. Whereas most treatments for addiction tend to modify the outward behavior or mental imagery, they have little effect on the spirit-soul of man. As attendance at any 12-step meeting will reveal, rarely does the addict change his personality. Rather the lifelong nature of the “illness” is emphasized.

The Lord’s approach to treatment is different. The person changes from the inside out. The behavior is not the focus of attention, nor is it the central problem. As anyone who is an addict, or who has lived with one knows the addict pleases only him/herself. Even when doing for others the addict’s actions are motivated by “what can I get out of it.” Nine of the ten lepers that Jesus healed had this problem. Cleansed on the outside, they still bore the attitude of ingratitude, which resulted in little faith.

Thanksgiving and gratitude are forms of worship expressed to God the Father through Jesus Christ. Gratitude’s initial expressions are towards God. Overflowing thanksgiving towards God results in a variety of attitudes towards His creatures.

Gratitude is achieved by choice, never by duty. As one examines the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual gifts that God has bestowed, expresses thanksgiving to God in each of these areas for these gifts, then our gratitude batteries recharge.

It is not how many gifts God has given, rather how one feels, what one does, and how one expresses thanksgiving for those gifts received.

Gratitude is not focused on “what is not” but on “what is.” It is not focused on losses, but on one’s gains through those losses. This quality does not focus on one’s afflictions, but rather on the results of those afflictions. The depth of gratitude is determined by humility. The greater the humility, the deeper the gratitude. Levels of gratitude are reached through sacrifice. Thus, the greater the sacrifice, the greater the level attained.

Gratitude may be offered on an event-by-event basis, but it loses much of its impact on the spirit of man when offered in this manner.

Thanksgiving should be a state of mind that we exist in which reflects the joy experienced by seeing the sacrifice the Father made in giving His only Son for our sins.

This experience of the spirit flows like a mighty river washing away prejudice, pride, and pretense. When gratitude is exercised, it acts as a protective cover shielding one from the addictive forces of the world. Gratitude, like faith is dead without works. The works of thanksgiving are charitable, unmerited acts towards others. How does this effect the spirit of man? Perhaps a comparison helps.

We understand that certain medicines may affect one type of illness and yet not affect others. Thus, while one type of antibiotic may destroy bacteria in the lungs it has no effect on infection of the kidneys.

How would you respond, if having pneumonia, you went to a doctor and he told you just to take a bath, and you will get well? As if cleansing the outside of the body would cure the inside. Yet, how often we try to cure heart problems with cognitive behavior or spiritual problems with radical emotional changes.

Addiction is a malady of the heart. Effective treatment means getting to the root of the problem and employing the cure that is most effective with the problem.

Addiction is not a sin—addiction is the consequences of sin. This explains why one cannot stop the addiction until the root sin is discovered and repentance occurs. If one fights the addiction, it becomes stronger, and if perchance one conquers it then it will break out in other areas.

This is the implicit warning in Colossians 2:20 ff. Paul clarifies for the reader that abstinence (humanistic attempts to heal addiction), lack any value in restraining indulgence.

Again, Paul tells us in Rom 6:16 “if you yield yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin which leads to death or of obedience which leads to righteousness.” The slavery of addiction—and who would deny the heavy burden of addiction, is the result of disobedience.