I sat watching a crime show last night, which as my family knows is unusual for me. There was a girl who was addicted to drugs. Without “shooting up”, she would shake, sweat, get angry, sad, depressed, etc. The thought came to me that religion is like a drug. We go and we do, which makes us feel great, but when we can’t go or don’t do, we get frustrated, sad, mad, and even depressed. Because we didn’t get our spiritual high for the week, we feel completely empty. Years ago, if I missed a Sunday morning church service, I would get so upset at myself that the whole day would be ruined. Church is very important for believers, but going out of habit and ritual is an addiction just like any other.

Let’s focus on a personal, daily relationship with our Heavenly Father and come clean from Religion – The Christian Drug.

Christian vs Christ Follower

Since we are created in God’s image, we are created beautiful.  Unlike the world, God sees every flaw, every insecurity, every fear, and He loves you.

Psalm 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Skit Guys – We Are God’s Masterpiece

John 8:44 …he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The skit below shows a beautiful picture of God setting us free.  He is all we need.

Lifehouse – Everything

James 1:13-14 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

God created us with free will.  He always gives us a way of escape.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Why does God allow us to be tempted? 1 Peter 1:7 These have come so that your faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Temptation is NOT a sin! The choice you make when you’re tempted is what matters. Be ready!  Ephesians 6:10-11 Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Your habits characterize your character. Romans 13:14 “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Scripture uses words like strongholds, slavery, and bondage to paint a picture of being a prisoner to sin.  You may be held captive to “acceptable activities” or to destructive or un-Christlike attitudes.  Even good behavior, such as church work, can be overindulged in to the degree that it becomes sin.

2 Peter 2:19 “For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.”

Some hard habits: alcoholism/drug abuse, anorexia/bulimia, cheating, gossip/slander, immorality/vulgarity, irresponsibility, lying, occult obsession, overeating, over-controlling, profanity/verbal abuse, rage, self-mutilation, sexual addiction/pornography, stealing, tobacco addiction, violence.

*you are unaware that a negative way of responding has become a habit

*the world does not see your habit as negative

*a seemingly good behavior is controlling your life

Ecclesiastes 7:18 “The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.”

Some hidden habits:  compulsive arguing, collecting, competing, cleaning, entertainment, exercising, horoscope consulting, internet usage, indecision, messiness, organizing, perfecting, procrastination, reading, religious work, rituals, shopping, tardiness, time wasting, TV viewing.

Matthew 15:19 “For out of the heart come evil thoughts.”

Heart Habits:  anger, arrogance, criticism, disrespect, envy, fear, greed, jealousy, lust, materialism, prejudice, rebelliousness, resentment, sarcasm, selfish ambition, stubbornness, unforgiveness, worry.