Faith Addiction

For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18:20

Last Friday, I tried to use that verse from Matthew to illustrate a point about the body of Christ. I think it went over well.

In the conversation, I was speaking with a group of men who have fought a variety of addictions in their lives. My analogy, for better or for worse, was that addicts always tend to find each other — birds of a feather, so to speak. People are drawn together by whatever the dominant force is in their lives. A person who is high will always know who else at a party is using.

My point is not really about drug addictions, or any other addiction. I was pondering how powerful we could be as Christians if we gathered together with sincere belief. The addict knows drugs are killing him, but he also believes they are solving his problems, easing his pains, or helping him escape something. He doesn’t care what other people think.

As Christians, do we care too much about what other people think? Jesus doesn’t destroy us, but he can solve our problems, ease our pain, and release us from our concerns. Wouldn’t it be great if we could pursue spiritual growth the way an addict chases his next fix? We’d be determined, unapologetic, Christ addicts.

If you look in the Bible for the verse I mention, back up another verse and read. It is one of my favorites. It is empowering. Matthew 18:19 says: “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”

How much power could we wield if we were addicted to Grace, addicted to Faith, or Addicted to Peace? Jesus said that faith would allow his followers to do even greater things, but we limit ourselves in legalism, in churchiness (if I can use that term), and we act ashamed to be seen in the world. The church building is not our hiding spot from society, it should be a beacon.

Like I said in my analogy, addicts always recognize each other and find each other. Shouldn’t we?

What if we were not ashamed to be Christians?