"A Junkie"

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7

When you hear the word 'junkie', it immediately conjures up images of drug addicts, and it should because that is the primary definition of what a junkie is. But there is another definition I want to talk about this morning as defined in the dictionary. Junkie: an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity; someone who is so ardently devoted to something that it resembles an addiction; "a golf addict"; "a car nut"; "a bodybuilding freak"; "a news junkie".

 

I know people who are "religious event junkies". They love going to conferences, seminars, revivals, etc. Each time they hear of one they have their bags already packed and ready to go. I love going to them too so please don't misunderstand what I am going to say. I remember one conference I went to years ago. It lasted for a couple of days. The teaching sessions were held by some of the "biggest names" in Christianity. The speakers and singers were people who were considered "stars" and someone you would only see on television. It was a glorious time. The atmosphere was electric. The words that came forth were powerfully anointed. The presence of the Lord was heavy in the place. The freedom to worship was amazing. I loved everything about it, I was basking in the glory. It gave me a wonderful feeling for the moment-- I felt "high" spiritually. 

 What I am talking about is someone who goes from one event (like I have described) to another for that "feel good" experience. They can't get enough of the way it makes them feel- the "goose bumps", the enthusiasm, being in the presence of "big names", the "get away", etc. But what does it do for them after the "high" of the event wears off? Has going changed them at all? Have they really heard what was preached? Are they applying the word and truths they heard to their lives? Are they letting it make them any more like Jesus? I have gone to some of these meetings and seen some Christians exhibiting un-Christ like behavior and attitudes before they ever reach the exit. 

 

If you are strictly going to these meetings because you love the way it makes you feel, but you don't take what you received there and allow God to use it in your life to change you, then you are a "religious events junkie"-- going for the "feeling" but not for the "transformation".

 

Have a great day. Are you a "religious events junkie"? Addicted to the feeling you get there but never applying the truths. 

 

For further reading:

James 1:22

Roman 12:1,2