Trying to Manage an Addiction

The UPI featured the story of a Georgia farmer who found one of his bulls in a predicament. The Hereford bull tried a little too hard to get at some hay in the metal hay ring. He let his appetite get the best of him and actually pushed himself through the bars of a hay ring. Unfortunately, he ended up wearing it—with his head and neck popping out and his body trapped within.

The farmer noted that the bull didn’t seem very bothered by the hay ring. But it was just a matter of time before it began to cut into his hide. It had to come off. But how does one remove a hay ring off a bull’s body?

Well, fortunately, Hereford bulls are pretty docile and this one was very cooperative as the farmer pulled it off.

Thinking About It

So great was this bull’s hunger for hay that he got himself stuck! But, still, it didn’t bother him much. He seemed to be coping just fine. He probably told himself, “Hey, I’m still functional. I’m still in control. I’m managing.” Yet he’s still stuck and cannot continue like this indefinitely. He’s dragging something around that impedes him and brings him down.

As I looked at this video of a bull dragging a hay ring around, it made me think of the addictions in our lives. We get ourselves into similar traps by allowing our appetites to get the best of us. Sure, I can tell myself, “I’m still functional. I’m still in control. Therefore, I’m managing just fine.” But I’m wearing a ball and chain. I’m impeding my spiritual journey, dishonoring the Lord, and making myself unfit for His service.

May God so move in our hearts that we hunger only for Him and for His word! May God put in our hearts a hunger and thirst for righteousness, but also an abhorrence and loathing for sin! And may God lead us to freedom from our addictions and sinful habits!

Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? (Rom. 6:1-2).

PRAYER:

Dear Father in heaven, thank You that You love me and accept me through Jesus Christ just as I am. But Father, You love me too much to leave me like this. You are focused on the eternal glory of heaven and sinful habits make me unfit for such a place. Please, dear Father, do whatever it takes to free me from my chains. Nurture me with Your love, discipline me in Your wisdom, and transform me by Your power. Amen.