Lifehouse’s Everything Skit

While in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for vacation, I had the opportunity to do something I love to do….jump from high places!  What a rush!  After jumping I was reminded of the Gatlinburg tower I had just visited that is nearly 300′ tall.  I was dreaming of how cool it would be to jump from that height!

In a world where so many people struggle with unhealthy addictions, one can come to think that any and all addictions are unhealthy.  This is simply not the case.  To be addicted in and of itself is not necessarily a bad think.  It all depends on what you are addictied to.  The word addict comes from the Latin, addicere, meaning to give assent, to apply habitually, to devote, etc.  This can be applied to unhealthy and healthy subjects.

For instance, I am totally, completely, without hope of recovery, addicted to my wife.  If you would ask her, she would say this is a good thing.  I think for all marriages this would be a healthy trait.  I’m not just a litte devoted to her….I’m 100% sold out.

I’m also convinced we are all addicts of something.  For those who are addicted to unhealthy subjects the only cure is to redirect that addiction to something healthy.  For instance, one who is addicted to smoking needs to become addicted to the joys of a nicotine free life.  One who is addicted to alcohol needs to become hopelessly addicted to sobriety, etc.

I’m certain the best addiction in life as we know it, is an addiction to person of Jesus!  Please know the difference between being addicted to the person of Jesus and addicted to a religion.  Religious addictions can result in monstrous and totally dysfunctional and irrational behavior.  Addiction to a relationship with Jesus will result in a peace that passes all human understanding.  Being addicted to Jesus will enable one to experience life to fullest!  A relationship with Jesus is a gateway addiction; it will lead to other addictions, such as addictions to spouse, family, helping other people, community, love, joy, kindness, patience, gentleness, etc.

We are all addicted to something.  The only question is, is it healthy or unhealthy?  What are you addicted to? 

In the fictional Harry Potter stories, Dementors, generally human in shape, are covered in dark, hooded cloaks which reveal only grey, decayed hands and faces.  These creatures have no eyes, and there is a large hole where the mouth should be, which is used for sucking the soul out of the victim in a process called the “Dementor’s Kiss.” 

As I was dealing with the destructive effects of pornography on yet another family, I was struck by the notion that pornography is like kissing a Dementor.  Those who participate in viewing pornography deceive themselves into thinking the activity is private and affects no one but themselves.  In the same way the Dementor’s kiss sucks the soul out of its victim, so too does pornography;  leaving behind only the shell of a person .   

Pornography leaves plenty of destruction in its wake.  Shame.  Hurt.  Betrayal.  Devaluing of humans.  Relationships are built on the connection of one soul to another.  When the soul has been sucked dry by the Dementor’s pornographic kiss - there is nothing left.  Relationships….everywhere, begin to break apart.

God created us in his image.  He values everyone.  He gives life and love.  Pornography devalues everyone involved in the process and reduces its victims to empty shells. 

If you are involved in pornography, please know that you can be freed.  Paul promises us that “we can do all things through Him, who give us strength.”  With God all things are possible.  I pray that you would be freed from the Dementor’s Kiss and that God would fill you with His Spirit!