We live in a society that uses the term addict for just about everything. We have coffee addicts, internet addicts, sports addicts, chocolate addicts, and those are just some of the possibly harmless ones, not taking into account any inherently serious or sinful “addictions.” However, do we even know what an addiction is? Webster defines it as: “To apply one’s self habitually; to devote time and attention by customary or constant practice; sometimes in a good sense.” Therefore, the idea of addiction is that the stated action or object is one to which time is habitually devoted on a daily/regular basis. That being said, are you a Bible addict?
If someone took away your Bible(s) would you notice? Would it have an effect on the normal processes of your day? Would you even miss it until the next time you attended services? It is unfortunate, but many people are far more addicted to their magazines, television shows, secular books, and favorite activities than they are the word of God. Nevertheless, the Scriptures are adamant that such should not be the case.
The apostle Peter wrote: “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation– if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Pet. 2:1-3 ESV). Christians are to be like newborn babies when it comes to the desire for God’s Word.
My wife and I currently have a two-month old son in the house and it brings this point home with full force. The first thing my child wants to do when he wakes up is nurse. Every couple of hours during the day his attention is once again turned to the filling of his stomach. Most nights he falls asleep nursing in my wife’s arms and even continues the suckling motions in his sleep.
How closely does that description match our desire for God’s Word? Do we wake up thinking about it? As we go through the day are there constantly occasions where we think about, consider, and desire to partake of various aspects of Scripture? Are our closing thoughts of the day on what God would have us do, of praise to him, or consideration of some aspect of Scripture? These things should be true for the devoted servant of God.
The psalmist would often bring to the forefront this kind of devotion to God’s Word. He stated, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:10-11); and again: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psa. 119:97); and also: “I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments” (Psa. 119:131).
We should be so devoted to God’s Word that its absence is almost immediately noticed and felt. It should not be days between occasions when we seek out the Scriptures; it should not be that the only time we consider matters of Scripture is when the preacher is in the pulpit. Rather, it should be so heavily ingrained into our daily routine that being without it leaves the day unfulfilled. There is no doubt, we need more Bible addicts.