Vice: an immoral or evil habit or practice; immoral conduct; depraved or degrading behavior; sexual immorality, esp. prostitution
Sin: transgression of divine law
Bearing Our Shame
Anybody – anybody – can get caught up in immoral habits and practices. Christians are not immune to vices. The difference is that Christians, unlike the unsaved, are no longer slaves to sin. And as we grow in grace, we learn to hate sin more and more.
Believe when I tell you, hating sin is an acquired taste. You see, the natural man loves sin. Can’t get enough. Let me tell about one of my vices.
Ever heard the term “addictive personality”? According to shrink types, people with this “mental disorder” are more vulnerable to developing addictions. It’s not just pop psychology hype to me. I believe I have an addictive personality. That is, when I like something and get excited about it, I have a strong tendency to go to the extreme. It becomes an idol. And you know how much God hates idolatry. For example, I knew I was hooked on alcohol the first time I drank it. I should have avoided it like Black Death. But I liked the way it made me feel. (Christians know “addictive personality” by another name: sin.)
After that, I couldn’t drink just one beer or martini or whatever. I had to keep drinking until I was blind, until I couldn’t remember where I was. My life was centered around drinking or looking forward to the next drink.
My addictive tendencies didn’t vanish once I became saved. I wish it worked that way. I’ve had to work on it and pray about it. Most of the time, I keep it in check. But I’m always teetering on the edge of out-and-out obsession. What’s bad about it is not so much the tendency to obsess, but what I choose to obsess over. I won’t get into details about the objects of my fixation. Way too embarrassing and much too personal (and shameful!) for public consumption (my worst nightmare!).
No matter what our particular vices may be, Christians must remember that Christ already bore our shame. That’s what the crucifixion and the spilled blood and his death and resurrection were all about. Our sin account is paid in full, once and for all. The question is, how do we give up those vices and avoid others just waiting for us to cave in a moment of weakness?
Spiritual Forces
Indeed, Christians are no longer slaves to sin and grow to hate sin. So why do we still struggle with it? Even though we’ve been born again as new men and women in Christ, we live in fallen bodies in a fallen world, with temptations all around us.
Theologically speaking, we’re engaged in spiritual battles to avoid and overcome temptations. We’re not sparring with mere men. The Bible teaches that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6)
Every day in a fallen world, we’re engaged in spiritual warfare against an enemy who’d like nothing more than to see us mired in sin and shame. Yes, even the man or woman who belongs to Christ. Especially us. Eternally speaking, Satan has been defeated (through his death and resurrection, Christ conquered death), but he’s still hard at work. One day (soon I hope), he’ll get what’s coming to him.
The Bible also instructs us in how to deal with temptation and evil in general: by putting on the full armor of God, with the:
- belt of truth around our waists;
- breastplate of righteousness against our chests;
- Gospel of peace upon our feet;
- shield of faith protecting us from “flaming arrows of the evil one” (which sometimes come at us fast and strong);
- helmet of salvation;
- sword of the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul tells us to put to death those things belonging to the natural man, among which are sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” (Colossians 3)
Each one of these vices and their many variations (pride, gluttony, etc.) lead us away from Christ. We can counter these vices with virtues: chastity, self-control, humility, patience, love, courage, etc.
If you’re a Christian with an addiction, whether it’s sexual, substance-related, or an unwholesome fixation, you first have to admit you’re addicted and need help.*
Understand that we all fall short of God’s glory, and we’re still sinners. There’s little point wallowing in shame and despair. Remember who you are in Christ. You are under his authority, with all the power and privilege it entails. Call on that power and privilege. Confess your sins and ask for help.
Get rid of pride and admit your weaknesses. As the Apostle Peter says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5) Rely on God and pray without ceasing.
As for my so-called addictive personality, I can choose to use it for good or for evil. I still obsess over things I have no business obsessing over. But I can turn this natural inclination to fixate toward God. Rather than trying to pray it away and keep it at bay, I can become fixated on God and pursue him the way I’ve pursued so many useless things.
One day (soon I hope!), there will be no more struggles. No more pain. No more tears. Until then, continue growing in grace.
*This post is not a substitute for professional help. If you've got serious issues, get off this blog and go see your pastor or a Christian mental health counselor.
