Addiction: The Silent Destroyer of Destinies

Toxic addiction is a silent destroyer of lives and destinies, and it’s crucial we address it head-on.

Are you struggling with addiction—whether it’s drugs, sex, or something else that’s holding you back?

As I write this article, my heart goes out to you.

The truth is, many of us face some form of addiction, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

In fact, acknowledging our vulnerability and desire to change is the first step towards healing.

Unfortunately, societal stigma often makes us feel like we’re committing a crime by admitting our weaknesses.

But hiding our struggles out of fear of condemnation only makes things worse.

Toxic addiction is a silent destroyer of lives and destinies, and it’s crucial we address it head-on.

Proverbs 25:16 KJV

[16] Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.25.16.KJV

Let’s set the stage for this discussion with a story.

Addiction: The Silent Destroyer of Destinies

Idris was infamous as a ruthless thug on the streets of Olumo.

His presence was impossible to ignore, he’d often be seen lounging on the roadside with his gang, drinking, smoking, and womanizing.

Despite their rough exterior, they also served as unofficial protectors of the community, doling out brutal justice to any thief caught on their turf.

Their methods were merciless: anyone caught stealing would be beaten and burned alive, a gruesome fate that struck fear into the hearts of would-be criminals.

One day, in a dramatic turn of events, Idris surrendered his life to Christ after an encounter with Pastor Matthew during a street evangelical outreach.

Pastor Matthew had been preaching the Gospel on the streets for many years, and Idris, the notorious gang leader, was an unlikely candidate for salvation.

Yet, the pastor felt led to share the message with Idris, trusting God to work in his heart.

And that’s exactly what happened.

The transformation was nothing short of miraculous, a beautiful and joyous sight to behold.

The following Sunday, Pastor Matthew invited Idris to church, where he was introduced as a new convert.

Idris’ inspiring story was shared with the congregation, inspiring faith and encouraging others to reach out to those like him.

His testimony was deeply moving, recounting his journey from a notorious street thug to a redeemed child of God.

As he shared his story, it was revealed that Idris was a university graduate who had turned to drugs and a life of thuggery after failing to secure a job,

highlighting the harsh realities that had driven him to desperation.

Idris’ testimony sparked an outpouring of support from the church community.

Many members offered him job opportunities, eager to help him get back on his feet.

With numerous options to consider, Idris, being an educated young man,

carefully selected the one that aligned with his passions and qualifications, setting him on a path towards a brighter future.

In addition to job offers, Idris received even more generous blessings.

A kind donor provided him with a fully furnished rented apartment, paying the rent for two years upfront.

This allowed Idris to settle in without worrying about his living arrangements, and he could continue paying the rent from his future salary.

But that was not all – another church member graciously gifted him a car, while others provided essential items like clothes, shoes, and more.

The outpouring of support was so astonishing.

The kindness Idris received brought joyful tears to his eyes.

It was a turning point in his life, one that deepened his commitment and devotion to God.

For the first time, he felt truly loved and supported.

This newfound sense of belonging sparked a transformation in Idris.

He became a regular attendee at church services, prioritizing his faith above all else.

No matter how demanding his work schedule was, he made it a point to carve out time for worship, every day, every week.

Idris’ dedication to the church went beyond attendance.

He was an active member of the ushering and cleaning unit, demonstrating his commitment to serving in the body of Christ.

Every Sunday, Idris would arrive early at the church to meticulously clean the pews

and then join the sanctuary cleaning team to ensure the toilets and surroundings were spotless.

After several years of diligent service, Idris caught the attention of the church council members,

who recognized him as an exemplary leader worthy of emulation by his peers.

Despite his tumultuous past, Idris had consistently demonstrated his devotion to God, and the council members found his story profoundly inspiring.

Convinced that his commitment would motivate others,

they appointed Idris as the church youth president, entrusting him with the responsibility of guiding and inspiring his fellow young believers.

Idris excelled as the church youth president for the few years he spent in the position,

inspiring countless young people through his exemplary leadership, words, and actions.

During his tenure, the church discovered a remarkable gift – Idris’ exceptional oratory skills, which enabled him to speak with eloquence and blessing.

This revelation opened doors to a higher calling, and the church council, recognizing his potential, appointed Idris as one of the church’s distinguished young pastors.

As a distinguished young pastor, Idris was given the platform to preach periodically to the congregation.

His teachings were inspiring, engaging, and refreshingly insightful, captivating the church’s attention and leaving them eagerly anticipating his next ministration.

Idris had been faithfully serving in the ministry for four years, and his influence was on the cusp of extending globally.

However, his life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with kidney failure and required dialysis.

Addiction: The Silent Destroyer of Destinies

The news sent shockwaves through the Christian community,

leaving everyone wondering how this had happened to someone so dedicated to his faith.

In a candid confession, Idris revealed that despite his commitment to Christ, he had struggled to overcome his past addictions to drinking, smoking, and womanizing.

These habits had persistently plagued him, and despite his best efforts, he had been unable to shake them off.

“But why didn’t you confide in the church council?” the Pastor asked Idris.

Idris hesitated before responding, “I had built a reputation as a devoted church member and held key positions.

I feared that disclosing my struggles would tarnish my image and potentially lead to demotion or exclusion from serving. I felt my flaws would disqualify me, yet I yearned to serve God.”

Idris’ voice was filled with regret and self-remorse.

Idris was now facing the repercussions of his addiction, a bitter irony given that he was on the cusp of global recognition.

As his loved ones placed their trust in God for miraculous intervention, medical experts painted a grim picture:

his chances of survival hung precariously in the balance, with only a 50/50 probability of recovery.

Yet, amidst the uncertainty, prayers continued to pour in, beseeching God to intervene and heal Idris.

Addiction: The Silent Destroyer of Destinies

Idris’ story serves as a reflection of the struggles many Christians face today.

Behind closed doors, numerous believers grapple with internal demons – toxic addictions that threaten to consume them.

Yet, fearing judgment and embarrassment, they conceal their struggles, hiding behind the facade of being “church people.”

Rather than seeking help and liberation, they secretly indulge in these vices, often surpassing the very behaviour they publicly condemn in others.

Whether you secretly or openly struggle with toxic habits, they remain destructive forces that can silently destroy destinies.

It’s essential to shatter the stigma surrounding Christians who battle with addictive behaviour like substance abuse or promiscuity.

Believers should feel safe sharing their weaknesses with pastors and other strong church leaders.

To foster this sense of security, we must continually remind them of God’s unconditional love and readiness to heal and restore, rather than condemn.

Many Christians genuinely love God, but in their quest to appear righteous, they often conceal their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

This attempt to project a flawless image can be detrimental, as it distorts people’s perception of Christianity.

When the truth eventually surfaces, revealing the imperfections and struggles of Christians,

it can be disillusioning, undermining the authenticity of the Christian faith.

Addiction: The Silent Destroyer of Destinies

To experience healing from addiction, your heart must be receptive to God’s restoration.

This journey begins with surrender, laying everything before God through dedicated prayer and study.

Opening up to your pastor can also provide crucial guidance and support.

When temptation strikes, intentionally redirect your focus by filling your mind with positive influences that distract you from the urge to relapse.

We must intentionally fill our lives with positive pursuits, leaving no room for the devil’s destructive schemes.

As he strives to pollute our minds daily, we must counter his efforts with purposeful living.

While we all make mistakes, we have the capacity to correct our mistakes,

motivated by our love for God, ourselves, our responsibilities, and the trust others have placed in us.

We mustn’t succumb to the allure of toxic addictions, which may offer fleeting pleasure but ultimately prove to be stealthy and deadly foes.

With God’s empowering grace, we must resolutely overcome these addictions, and we will, in Jesus’ name!

Also Read: The Paradox of Freedom – Diademng

Addiction: The Silent Destroyer of Destinies