The Golden Ladder

In understanding the spiritual aspect of addiction, let’s look at the etymological origin of the word. “Addiction” is borrowed from a Latin word addīcere (Merriam-Webster n.d.), which relates to the adjudging of disputed property or the assignment of a debtor to the custody of his creditor. This perfectly explains the nature of addiction as the idea of a dispute over property. The addict can easily recognize he is being torn between two things. His will wants him to be free, but the desire of the addiction keeps drawing him in the opposite direction. The only proper way to articulate this is to recognize the two forces that are pulling. The Spirit of God is drawing the addict away from the precipice of destruction, while the sinister one is driving him toward it. Two parties are claiming possession, and the addict is stuck in the middle. What’s sad is the addict is the one who casts the deciding vote. If he chooses not to turn to the light, then the darkness will overtake him. A second definition to this Latin word addīcere means “to assign (property), hand over, give up to,” or “to surrender” (Merriam-Webster n.d.). The addict has surrendered his life to that which is destroying him. Unless the situation changes, destruction is inevitable. Do not think any one of us is impervious to the temptations of Satan. This is why Paul continues, in Ephesians 6 (just after telling us to be on guard against the powers of darkness that wish to destroy us), to list all the armor for the spiritual fight that will inevitably come. We are not to be passive in the warfare that has been waged against us. The addict and the child of God alike are to be on guard for any sign of attack the evil one will bring against us. You and I are not above temptations regardless of our experience. Satan is cunning, and he is looking for a weakness to exploit. We must ARISE and face this enemy daily so we can be victorious. The nature of Satan’s assaults is subtle. This is very important to understand. Paul told the Church of Ephesus that Satan will invade through wiles or tricks. The oldest confrontation with mankind is Satan manipulating Eve to taste fruit from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil. His subtle suggestions and questioning of God’s word convinced Eve to eat the very thing that brought death. How is that any different from the addict who hears the voice whispering, “One more won’t hurt”? Please do not underestimate Satan’s influence and the magnitude of his deception. Because of him, one-third of the angels were thrown out of heaven (Rev. 12:4). Because of him, mankind was cast out of the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:23). And because of him, hell has been enlarged to hold all the souls of the damned as he tricks them to their own doom (Isa. 5:14). Do not be one of them!