If I hear someone else say they have the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction I will scream. Maybe not really scream out loud but internally I will be screaming. Addiction is not a disease. A disease is as described in Merriam Websters as
a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms
Pregnancy is a nine month curable disease. It impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms. Cancer is a disease, diabetes is a disease. You could not go up to a pregnant woman, a cancer patient, a kidney dialysis patient and say, “Well, there is this residential treatment facility and with a some counseling and a decision to quit this behavior, we can cure your disease.” It doesn’t work that way.
Addiction is a poorly made choice.
God gave you free will. Period. Read it. It’s found in Genesis, right in the beginning when he gives (man) you the world and everything in it and says, subdue it. That means you are in charge of everything. Dr. Myles Munroe says it best when he says if you were supposed to have dominion over the tobacco leaf then why does it have dominion over you? Why are you allowing it?
Addiction is a poorly made choice. I said that already I know but I want you to read it again. You have control over it. You decided to give your control over to a thing. The thing didn’t overtake you, you allowed it.
You have the power to change choices. I’ve never met anyone who chose to get cancer with the exception of those addicted to cigarettes and even they thought they were an exception to the rule.
You have the power over the addiction.
Choose wisely. It always starts with a choice.
Pastor Susan 