The "Dark Side" of Addiction

Without being 'overly dramatic', I believe there are boundaries that can be crossed in our addictions, compulsions and destructive behaviors that produce an 'overwhelming' attraction from the Dark Side (the demonic). Indeed, all of us that struggle with addiction have 'gone to places God never intended for us to experience' and, thus, have certainly exposed ourselves to significant destructive forces -- physically, mentally and spiritually.

However, after experiences of this week, I am reminded that some individuals seem to 'cross a line' of defiance. In fact, the tangible presence of evil becomes evident in these individuals...along with the group or culture they attract. The common characteristic, as far as words will describe, is overt EVIL. These people, in my opinion, have gone beyond the common struggles with their addiction, but have now invited demonic influence that manifests as sexual perversion, lawless acts and hostility to all authority.

I am reminded that we must not go into these situations without the Power of God and must not have any unconfessed willful sin in our own lives. Only Jesus Christ can truly deliver any of us from the world of darkness and destruction ... but this type of entrenched presence does not often go without a furious fight even when the person states a willingness to be delivered. I believe Paul speaks of such dark behavior as follows:

18Their [e]moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is [f]deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature].
19In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]. (Ephesians 4:18-19, AMP)

It is said in John 14:30 that the prince of evil had 'no claim' on Jesus and, similarly, only in the purity of confession and willful surrender can we enter into His battle...otherwise, we can allow this dark power to impact us even in our 'good intentions' and ministries.

God, help me by revealing deep-seated sin and rebellion in my life ... and rescue me from self-delusion. Only in my weakness am I strong in You. Also, help me to remember that all rebellion is evil and prideful defiance is always 'crouching at the door'. Help all of us in this battle as we bring the message of YOUR Gospel ... which is the POWER OF GOD for salvation.

Lane