Epicenter: Ephesus (Exchanging Addiction for Hope) — Monday
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (NIV)
Born and raised in the heart of the Bluegrass, I can tell you that I love my Kentucky home. I love the Southern culture and the iconic thoroughbred farms that envelope the rolling Bluegrass hills. The Commonwealth is internationally known for horse racing, bourbon, bluegrass music, basketball, and fried chicken. Like Kentucky the ancient city of Ephesus was also internationally known. Ephesus was one of the largest and most important cities in the Roman Empire. It was a major trade route and commercial center and was home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Artemis.
As an international trade hub, Ephesus attracted thousands of people from all over the world. Each one of them searching for something more. From pornography to prostitution, Ephesus became an epicenter for defiant behavior, especially to the worship of Artemis. Every worldly desire could be fulfilled there. In fact the name Ephesus means ‘desirable’. Ephesus and Kentucky both became internationally known for something other than commerce - the addictive vices that flourished in those communities.
Addiction has even wreaked havoc in my own life. Years ago, I took a good hard look in the mirror. I was astonished and ashamed with what I had allowed in my life. I was an empty shell of a man. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, porn, sex, food, work, the approval of others, or something else, addictions provide dopamine but they don’t provide satisfaction.
My addictions didn’t just affect myself, they affected everyone else around me. What I learned was that my addiction was really my god - the thing I dwelt on and put my identity in, the thing that I sacrificed for, the thing I turned to when I was in need. Paul puts it this way: For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 (NLT). When Paul planted the church in Ephesus he introduced the Ephesians to something much more desirable than the things of this world by saying: In Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 (NIV).
Monday’s Reflection
Take a good hard look in the mirror and ask yourself: What are the things I dwell on and put my identity in? What are the things that I sacrifice for? What are the things I turn to when I am in need? Read and Pray the scriptures found in Ephesians 1:15-23. If you need someone to talk to, I encourage you to contact the Southland Care Team!