A Globe of Addicts

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 2:11 (NLT)

We are all addicts in this life, though we’re not necessarily addicted to the same vices. We all crave our next fix, hit, or encounter. The addiction haunts our thoughts, drives our actions and words. No matter how hard we try to shake it, it is impossible. It never goes away. The addiction drags us down, shames us, and tries to define us. We all have it. We live on a globe full of addicts. It’s called sin, and we’re all addicted to it.

From the moment we’re born, we have sin in our lives. It invades our brain and convinces us to do things that we know are morally, ethically, and spiritually wrong. It convinces us to do things that we know will bring about consequences that will haunt us for hours, days, weeks, months, and years. It’s a loud voice ringing in our ears, “Do it. It’ll make you feel good.” The unfortunate reality is that we all follow that voice. Even when we try to resist, we eventually give in. Then, of course, the sin turns on us and floods us with guilt and shame for doing what it called us to do in the first place. Satan is a punk like that.

On the flip side, we have a still, small, quiet voice that also resides inside us. It doesn’t guilt or shame us. It doesn’t overwhelm us with the constant “Do it. Do it. Do it.” Instead, the wisdom of God is shared, a suggestion given, “Do this, and you will find peace.”

Notice, that unlike sin, wisdom isn’t a quick fix, it’s a process. Wisdom leads us down a path that will mature us, give us insight, help us develop a strong character, learn to trust in God’s plans. Sin calls us to live in the moment. It’s not about development, it traps us in our immaturity. Wisdom builds us up over our lifetime. Sin holds us captive in the moment. There is no growth.

I think this is why Solomon gave us this verse, “Wise choices will watch over you.” How do our choices watch over us? Because all true wisdom comes from God – it’s His wisdom. So, His wisdom, His directions for each of our lives are meant for our benefit, for our growth. Additionally, His wisdom leads us away from shame and guilt and into His glorious Kingdom.

So, today, and every day, tune in to God’s wisdom. Reject the voice screaming “Do it!” Instead, choose wisdom. Choose God’s way. Let Him watch over you.