Christian Living

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Jesus Junkies
5I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. – John 15:5 (AMP)
The word junkie (or junky) was initially used to describe a heroin addict, "junk" being a slang term for heroin.

Have you ever known someone who was an addict? I am going to make an assumption that with the prevalence of drugs in today’s society that at some point your life has been directly or indirectly touched or affected by one. There are even reality TV shows based specifically on the rehabilitation process or interventions for these souls in bondage. From a TV perspective it is labeled entertainment. But if it was a family member or someone you loved, it was anything but entertainment.

Ours is a language of evolution where we often find ourselves using slangs that could lead us to real trouble if we used it elsewhere in the world. We like to sound hip, cutting edge, modern. We long for the appearance of being laid back as opposed to uptight: But at what cost?

Sports Junkies, Chocolate Junkies, Shoe Junkies, Purse Junkies, and Ink (tattoo) Junkies: all seemingly innocent. Why not a Jesus Junkie? Do you think if you have lived with an addict that you wouldn’t find yourself cringing at the loose use of the term?

What about God? He literally SPOKE creation into being. What does the Word say?

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. – Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

Do you realize that when the Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, that they were complaining in the desert that he had brought them out there to die? Do you know what happened? Read Exodus.

An addict’s life is a vicious struggle, a constant battle raging within themselves. They cannot get away from who they are and what they are driven by. The illusion of being in control is controlling them. Seeking to escape from the utter destruction of their own lives and the realization, that despite all of their protests, they are destroying those around them, sets these addicts on the spiral downward. They are always looking for that next hit.

Is that the image you are trying to convey about your relationship with Christ? That you are in a constant raging battle with yourself, always looking for the next hit, destroying yourself and those around you? Do we really think that looks cool? Is Jesus just a pusher looking to get people hooked?

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted Scriptures in the Bible. But let’s read it from the Amplified:

13I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

It’s a little more descriptive than, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me”.

In today’s Scripture Jesus refers to “vital union” with Him. What is the first thing that doctors and emergency workers do? Check your vitals.

Do most junkies live or dwell with their suppliers? I don’t think so. So what exactly is so appealing about the use of this term? I realize that God has done amazing things and delivered addicts and pushers. I realize that in their ministry they sometime say things like, “I’m high on Jesus”. But is that your ministry?

If we are called to be set apart, why do we so often find ourselves mimicking the world, “in the name of Jesus”? Or becoming like them in order to reach them?

I am not in any way implying that a holier than thou attitude is the right way either. Jesus laid down His life for the likes of us!

Are you a self-proclaimed Jesus Junkie? Are the only times you are found knocking, seeking, and asking, are when you need your next hit?
Or, is there a peace found in you that draws others to Jesus because you are connected to Him?

Jesus said, “apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.”

Body Temperature- Revelation 3:15-16
Pulse or Heart Rate- Matthew 6:21
Blood Pressure- 1 Peter 1:2
Respiratory Rate- 2 Timothy 3:16

Have you had your vitals checked lately?

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