What Is Your Addiction? and Vlog
Devotions

What Is Your Addiction? and Vlog

A few weeks ago during my personal study, I
stumbled upon a verse. I re-read that verse like I had never seen it before. It
sparked questions in my heart and I knew that was a tug to re-evaluate my
goings.
That verse was I Corinthians 16:15
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,)

Did you notice the word “addiction”?
As humans, we adopt a usual pattern often referred
to as “habits”. We often adopt habit(s) that becomes unconsciously part of us…
say… an addiction or an obsession. We don’t think twice about doing it because
it is already part of who we are.
Those habits or addictions can be positive or
negative depending on what those habits are and the angle from which we view it. 
As a Christian, your habits could
be a good thing or a bad thing (in terms of sin or just not godly or in terms of being moderate). 
In a world
full of noise, screaming adverts and e-adverts, TV series, gaming world, social
media obsession etc we can get carried away even as believers if we are not
careful.
I was lost on words when I read Apostle Paul’s message
about the house of Stephanas. They were an ordinary Christian family like yours
and mine but something stood out.
It was their obsession, their addiction that made
even Apostle Paul notice them.
I am sure people around them would have noticed it
too. This family were addicted to the ministry of the
saints. 
Not only Papa Stephanas, but Mama and all the kids were dug in on the
ministry. They were all addicted to advancing God’s Kingdom through their
ministering to the saints.
That’s when I question myself…and now you

What
Is Your Addiction?

Are you addicted to advancing God’s Kingdom or are
you committed to advancing your own self will?
I thought I should throw in a little video too J. Be sure to listen
its less than 3 minutes. *Feel
free to subscribe to the channel if you wish
*.

4 Qualities
of Those Addicted To The Ministry
     1.    They are committed to others in
faith
. They are not about their own business, fame or
popularity. They genuinely help the faith of other believers. They had a heart
for others. That drove them to having an addiction.
As every
man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God.
I Peter 4:10
     2.    They love God.
You can’t have a heart for the saints without being sold out for God. Your love
for God is what makes you serve Him with all you’ve got.
Even when it is hard,
you love God and submit to His Will.
     3.    They are not plastic people:
There are a lot of those around these days. This household were not waiting for
some position or title or financial rewards. They did all they did for the sake
of the gospel.
My little children, let us
not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 
I John 3:18
Are
you doing what you are doing for your sake or for the sake of Jesus?
People can differentiate an original from a plastic.
It may take long but surely there is a payday for a deceiver. See Titus 1:16 (click to read online)
The Bible gives a clear description of those who
have nothing to do with advancing the gospel for the sake of the kingdom but
their own selfish desires. Read Philippians 3:18-19 (click to read online)
Is
Jesus in all that you do?


4. They
are Praiseworthy
; When you serve God consistently even
in your secret place, while it seems no one notices you…God in fact does. He
will reward you openly, like He did with this household.

Related Article: When You Feel Unnoticed 

Apostle Paul in the
following verses encouraged the people to follow after such a people.
That ye submit yourselves
unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
I am glad of the
coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on
your part they have supplied. For they have
refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.         
I Corinthians 16: 16-18

These kind of people refresh others. They don’t seek to drain you out but they desire to replenish you. They are a blessing in the church and the community.
Wow!
Let’s Pray…
Lord Jesus, help me to be addicted to the things
that concern the faith. Help me to love what you love and to be committed
enough to ministry. Help me to use the little in my hand for the ministry you have
committed into my hands in Jesus Name
. Dear Jesus, let my life be a soothing refreshing and an encouragement to fellow brethren in faith in Jesus name. Amen

Comment Prompt: where have your heart and hands
been lately? Does your addiction line up with your faith in Christ?

By His Great Grace,
Ifeoma Samuel

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Comment Update!

Dear friends, I have the habit of visiting you before I
respond here on my blog that way I can keep track of blogging friends I am yet
to visit. 

To keep up with your latest posts, I changed my strategy. Now I visit your blog then respond to very few comments here. 


In case you are wondering why I keep updating you on my progress, for me this is a wonderful community and I respect you all and finally it holds me accountable to you. Haha!! *smiling*


Thanks for your understanding and I appreciate your kindest comments
thus far☺


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  • Wonderful reflection! Isn't it great when there is a verse that grabs hold of your heart and mind and really makes you think about it until the truth is screaming at you. Thanks for sharing with The Cozy Reading Spot!

  • Ifeoma,
    They say if you do something for at least 2 weeks in a row, it becomes a habit. I am trying to create the habit…"addiction" of praising and thanking God before my feet even hit the floor in the morning. I am really trying to make a conscientious effort to do this and start my day with an attitude of gratitude. I needed this reminder today!!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

  • While some 'addidctions' can be good, anything in excess can be bad. The use of the word 'addicted' here is more in line with 'habit' (The Message uses 'put themselves out'). I know too many people who have 'addicted' themselves to doing good–at the expense of their family members. It's all about priorities. We should serve God first, then our families and when those relationships are right, we have permission to branch out and focus on others.

  • We don't usually think of addiction as a positive, but you are right we should be growing and sharing the kingdom. Thanks for sharing at Mom-to-Mom Mondays.

  • We should all have this addiction of growing God's Kingdom. What an excellent post! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂

  • Wow! I needed this reminder! Addiction to Jesus is what is currently lacking in my life and I have to come closer to Him to be a brighter light for those around:)

  • Excellent post! We would all do well to examine our addictions and make sure that they are the kind that are encouraged by scripture… otherwise, we need to rid ourselves of them immediately.

  • Hi Ifeoma, What a great post! Examining what we are addicted to is a fundamental question every believer needs to ask themselves. Thank you for pointing us back to the truth of God's word. And by the way, I LOVE your accent! Great job on the video. Thank you for sharing with Whole Hearted Home linkup. Have a blessed week.

  • Thanks for this, Ifeoma, as always! I actually have several signs up and a gracious friend holding me accountable to breaking an addiction to TV. As of last week exactly. Only watching it in the company of others to make TV a social treat instead of a crutch, escape, and excuse like I often make it out to be. Your words so encouraged me today in calling it what it is and choosing faith instead. Thanks, friend!

  • Thank you as always for your words. I have never pondered the thought of being addicted to ministry but know that it is easy to be addicted to something that ends up consuming us. I love the point that we need to step back and ask ourselves if what we are doing is honoring God or the world. We need to make sure our focus is in the right place. These words and questions are ones we need to ask ourselves often as we strive to live for God. Blessings!

  • Dear Ifeoma … this is an important post! We're all broken in some way, and most of us are addicted to something or someone that's taken the place that only God should fill.

    Thank you for this … and what joy to hear your voice and see your face! A lovely way to end this day, friend …

  • Very insightful. I have laid down my ministry addictions as I focus on realigning myself with who God created me to be. May I always only be addicted to Jesus and bringing Him glory.

  • It was so wonderful to hear your beautiful voice, Ifeoma! I loved the video addition to the post. And a wholehearted, AMEN! I want to be addicted to Jesus! I noted number 4 in particular. I find myself evaluating every day why I blog for fear that I would ever let it become about me. There is such an aspect to it that would make it so easy to let the enemy slither his way into it, though! Thank you for this beautiful word of encouragement, reminder, and hope! I love seeing your links alongside me at #MomentsofHope!

  • Wonderful post friend. I've been contemplating some of the things I'm "addicted" to and I'm trying to make adjustments… but yes – to be addicted to ministry! YES!

    I just read this week, "What if we read our Bibles as much as we looked at our cell phones?" WOW. That would be revolutionary!

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

  • Great post. I'm addicted to ministering to the saints! I blog at http://www.myworldpad.blogspot.com

  • Hi Ifeoma, so nice to hear your voice and your sweet accent. 🙂 I don't think I've ever noticed that word in there either. Interesting. Love how the Bible never changes, but is always fresh. 🙂 My addiction lately would probably be busyness. sigh. Working on that. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, so nice to see you. xoxo

  • This part of your prayer jumped out at me, especially as I connect it with your last post about being a Praying-Grandmother: "Help me to use the little in my hand for the ministry you have committed into my hands in Jesus Name" I know plenty of Grandparents who are "addicted" to their Grandchildren! 🙂 But I want to be addicted to the ministry of serving them by praying over them even more! Thank you for allowing the Lord to speak thru His Word to us! –Blessings to you!

  • Great post, Ifeoma! That's an interesting take on the word addiction that I never noticed before either. Our devotion and service to God would then be the best kind of addiction. Blessings to you!

  • I love how you turned addiction around to something good! Watching your video, I am SO grateful for the internet and how it connects us to people all around the world. You are beautiful and I would love to trade accents with you. 🙂 Thank you, Ifeoma.

  • "not plastic"
    What a great way to say that!
    I'm going to listen to your vlog now. I'm so impressed at your bravery in taking on another media!

  • I never really thought about serving God as an addiction, but it definitely should be the thing that drives us and motivates us.

  • This is great, Ifeoma. I just finished studying 1&2 Corinthians. It wasn't until I was studying that chapter when that verse jumped out at me. I want to be addicted to the ministry and service of the Lord. Thank you for this encouragement and for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.

  • Ifeoma, So blessed by your words today. I want to be 'refreshing' to those around me, and for my 'habits' to be aligned with God's heart. Thanks for this encouraging post!

    • 8 years ago

    I never thought about addiction this way before. Yes, I do want to be addicted to things that concern the faith! This was a great post, Ifeoma. Thank you for sharing these encouraging words.

  • Great post. You rarely think of an addiction as a good thing, but in this case, we should all desire it. Love #3 especially. God has really been working on purifying my heart and intentions, and I'm asking Him to let me be motivated by HIS love for the people I come into contact with. Thanks for sharing this!

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