In most cases being addicted to something is not very desirable. When we think about the alcoholic sitting on a park bench with half a bottle of liquor in his hand, his life all but ruined by his addiction to alcohol, it is not a pretty picture. It is certainly not a situation that we would want for ourselves.
When we think of the heroin addict sitting in a cell somewhere, going through withdrawal symptoms, shaking, sweating, and experiencing stomach cramps that feel as if something, is trying to tear its way out, it is not a very pleasant thought.
Most of the time addiction, whether it be to drugs, material possessions, or something else, is not only unpleasant but sinful. There is, however, a desirable addiction. It is an addiction that does not put one at odds with God, but, instead, demonstrates one’s fidelity to Him. Listen to Paul:
1 Corinthians 16:15 (KJV)
15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Christianity and serving others go hand in hand. Paul often wrote of the importance of servitude.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Jesus, who served man in the greatest way possible by giving up heaven and dying in man’s stead, taught us by example to serve others when He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17). After washing their feet and thus teaching them to serve one another, He emphasized the importance of them making application of His teaching.
John 13:15-17 (KJV)
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
It is not enough to think about serving others, or even talking about it, we must get down to the business of doing it.
Serving should not be a burden to us, but rather a joy. It should be a natural expression of the love we have for each other. In fact, we should enjoy serving each other to the point where we are, like the house of Stephanas, addicted to the ministry of the saints.
How might we serve one in Christ? From a physical standpoint, we might visit a brother or sister in the hospital when they are sick or take a meal over to the family of one who is ill. Something as simple as raking up the leaves or shoveling off snow from the drive of an elderly couple’s home would be a kind of service. Helping others is what serving is all about.
Serving spiritually is even more important. We need members in the church who are willing to serve. Being willing to teach others is an effective way of serving in the church. Teachers are no more than servants.
1 Corinthians 3:4-6 (ESV)
4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
Elders are servants. Deacons are servants. Song leaders are servants. Preachers are servants. Brethren who rebuke and try to restore the fallen are servants. Those who wait on the Lord’s Table are servants. And in all of these things, the purpose is to help others. This is the Lord’s will for all of us.
Serving also involves sacrificing. When one gives in to the will of another in the area of liberties, it is a type of service. Paul is a good example of this.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (ESV)
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
This is a noble kind of service which is Christ-like in character. Regarding suffering for our sins, Paul said that Jesus pleased not himself (Rom. 15:3). The context of that statement deals with giving up personal liberties when it is in the best interest of others. Are you willing to serve your brother the way Christ was willing to serve you?
Addictions are not generally good, but when it comes to doing good and serving God by way of ministering to the saints, which should be a desirable addiction. Serving each other, whether in things spiritual or physical, is a demonstration of our love toward each other and towards God.