I've always prided myself on not being addicted to anything. (Lest you think this is going to be a pat myself on the back post, hang in here for a few more lines). Growing up with an alcoholic (and 4 pack a day smoker) mother, statistically my chances of also being addicted to alcohol are higher than average. I've never been much of a drinker or smoked.The "addictions" I do have are all socially acceptable: Sweetened coffee and chocolate to name two. The fact that I've always been slender adds to the perception that my sweets habit isn't too bad.
YET, the fact is I lack self control when it comes to sweets. I've been trying to cut back. My reasons are purely in the physical. I've put on weight (welcome to fabulous 40's!). I'm not fat. But would I look better and feel better even 5 lbs lighter? Yes.
But I've tried, and have a hard time resisting the sugary treats. I'm weak. I'm easily tempted. And I'm getting an attitude adjustment on addictions. Until I turn it over to God, I won't be able to stop. But I don't want to turn it over because I really really like sugar. I really want to eat it. But I really want to lose some weight.
There is no nice bow to wrap this up in, at the end. Am I addicted to sweets? Is it a problem? It's socially acceptable, but that doesn't make it godly. I'm not impacting anyone else's life with my behavior. (My kids aren't suffering because of my sweets habit.) None the less, would it be better to change? These are the self control issues I'm facing.
What area of your life is not within control? What can you do to change it?
What area of your life is not within control? What can you do to change it?
Proverbs 25:28 -- Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
1 Peter 5:8 -- Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
2 Peter 1:5-7 -- For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
26 comments:
Does blogging count? Oh, yes it does. I'm in trouble.
In all honesty, you would be surprised at how easy it is to resist sugar once you get past the first week.
I used to bake 2-3 times a week! Now it's only for birthday parties and holidays.
Melanie@Bella~Mella
I know your frustration, I like sweets too.
About 9 years ago I quit smoking. I had tried many times but never made it to the finish line. Then one day after I finished reading 'The Bondage Breaker' by Neal Anderson I realize how much control this stupid cigarette had on me.
This may sound silly to some but I took authority over my desire by believe in the victory through Jesus and spoke these
words (outloud) every time I wanted to smoke.
In the name of Jesus, Satan you have NO authority over me and I will not smoke...get out of here! In Jesus Name Amen. My friends thought I was crazy when I would do this in public.
In about 30 second the urge to smoke was gone and it was the easiest way for me to quit! Hope that helps.
I'm there with you on the sweets Kelly. I know Melanie is right. I need to get it out of my system. Thanks for starting off my blog readings with something I need to do. This is fun. Seriously :) B
Jesus used the Scriptures to keep Himself from temptation. Prayer, saying stuff out loud, sharing with accountability partners (and bloggy friends!)....
I have a problem with taking every "good" opportunity that fits my gift/talent profile. That doesn't always mean it's a good thing!
When that which we cannot control takes over when we should be following God's will or being in service to Him, that's when we really need to "Be still, and know," and ask Him to change us.
I think we had the same parents growing up only the alcoholism was on my father's side and the smoking on my mothers. I smoked for a number of years but gave it up over 10 years ago and never wanted to try again. Now the alcohol is a different story. It is always there waiting for me to take a sip and when I do, I can't stop. I have to realize that it is in my blood and the only way to stop is to never start. My grandfather by the way was the town drunk so I have two full generations working against me. Only God and some close friends can help. I have found that saying Bible verses helps when I am tempted as it does when I am tempted by anything else.
Addictions come in all shapes and sizes.....(as do jean sizes, lol)
Whether it is something as seemingly "sweet" as sweets (excuse the pun), or something much harsher.....they are hard to break.
Thank God for...God, (and accountability partners).
Addictions come in all shapes and sizes. I thank you for blogging about yours, nudging us to go back to our own lives and ask the Lord what needs "to go".
I had a doctor in New Orleans tell me that coffee was the best legal drug available -- I know I'm addicted to it, but I do try to cut back when I know I'm drinking too much...like now...sigh...lol!
You know I can relate, my friend! I am praying for you. Love, Heather
When I struggle with this (and I do), I remember 1 Corinthians 6:12
" 'Everything is permissible for me'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible for me'—but I will not be mastered by anything."
Am I letting __________ master me? Then, I just read in 2 Peter the other day, "for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him."
So true.
I know I am a total coffee junkie.
(And I think I need to cut down on my e-mail checking, too. :) )
Oh yes, I have plenty of things I need to lay on that altar. Food in general would be a starting place.
Hugs,
Susan
Addictions come in all shapes and sizes (did someone say that, already?).
I'm off work today, and I've got all these darn addictions trying to tempt me to give in to the flesh (i.e. Chocolate of all kinds, and then there is Chocolate, and there is also Chocolate that seems to be at every corner in my home).
Back when I was Mr. Preacher Man/Judgmental...I had someone approach me and remind me that my parents (he was assuming correctly) had to get their 'coffee/caffine' first thing in the morning. That is an addiction of the flesh, among many other "simple" things.
I stopped pointing fingers a few years ago. We are all humans in need of God's grace and mercy and everyone fails to some degree or another.
This si some good food for thought. I should really think about this one... possibly blog about it..lol
You and I would get into trouble together! Coffee? Sweets? Chocolate? I'm right there with you! Or maybe we could be accountability partners!
Yes, welcome to the lovely 40's! I currently weigh more now than I did during either of my pregnancies (and my kids weighed 10pounds, 5 ounces and 9 pounds, 11 ounces)! Well, at least I have a chest now!
Hey, Kelly!These comments and your post were great! What I lack in is staying organized enough to finish projects!For example... to scrub out the tub on a regular basis--not just when needed or to complete an art project. I become easily distracted and focus on something less important. Right now, I should be finishing up laundry, but I'm happily blogging! See?? Most folks have some type of self-control issue--coffee, exercise, etc. Those scriptures truly make you focus on what is really needed. Thank you!!
Hugs,
Susan
Doesn't it sound so much more acceptable to call them a "vice". We all have them. Whether they are socially acceptable or not doesn't make them any less an addiction, or worse, a false idol.
Mine is chocolate. When I'm tired I eat chocolate, grumpy or sad - chocolate, happy - chocolate. You get the idea.
Oh how I love me some chocolate and some ice cream! :)
Can we get chocolate chip muffins to go with that coffee?!
Thanks for the hugs!
I love to bake, and I love sugar-- but it doesn't like me much. I experience some health problems that are sugar related, so I rarely use refined sugar anymore.
Maybe this info will help curb your sugary cravings. It helped me.
http://nutrition2success.com/additives/sugar.php
I know...not very spiritual, but still good information.
Chocolate. Daily.
And I'm with Linda @ 2nd Cup...does blogging/Facebook/Twitter count? I think so.
Drats.
OK, I know you're trying to be all serious and introspective over here, but I just came from ADHD's place and I need to understand what you meant by "barf."
Come on, CK. I had always looked at you as a woman with taste and savvy. I thought you were godly. I admired you. And now, this???
Do you mean to tell me you do not appreciate the musical talent and performance of the man who was my crush until the age of 18?
I don't know if we can be friends anymore.
*grin*
Hi I'm Billy, and I'm addicted to coffee.
It's the first thing I drink in the morning and the last thing I drink at night.
I'm like you. I'm not sure if it's an addiction. Coffee's good for you now, though in a year it'll probably be causing all sorts of nasty things.
Should I cut back? Probably. Anything good can be made bad if you do too much of it.
It's totally a mental thing. It takes will-power and motivation -mind over matter. The truth be told, sometimes we just don't have a strong enough mind set to do the things we need to do. That's why it's so important to lean on God. He may take away our stumbling block - but more often than not - He will change our attitudes toward whatever our stumbling block is so that we can move past it. Great post.
I am with you in the sweets department.. I need to kick them to the curve, but it is so hard.
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