“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (I Corinthians 16:15).
There are many dangerous and foolish practices to which people can become addicted—drugs, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, sex, money, gluttony, power, etc.—in fact, anything that gains the control over their lives that only their Creator should have. Many things that seem harmless in themselves can become addictions if we are not careful to keep them in the perspective of eternity. An excellent rule to follow is that of I Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
There are some addictions, however, that are wholesome, because they honor Christ. Stephanas and her family had actually become “addicted” to helping their fellow believers, ministering (that is, “serving”) in the name of Christ. Paul himself was so addicted to soul-winning that he could say: “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (I Corinthians 9:22). Even more than this, his entire life was centered in Christ. “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” he could testify (Philippians 1:21).
Like the psalmist, a believer should also become addicted to the Scriptures—reading, studying, meditating, memorizing, obeying, proclaiming them. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. . . . More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 119:97; 19:10).
Finally, a Christian should be controlled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “Be not drunk with wine, . . . but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). Such addictions bring eternal blessing. HMM
