Developing healthy addictions

Well, when my Dad asks why it's been so long between blogs, I know it's time to post again. Immediately after my previous post I tried to write a reflection on the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. That post may still find it's way to my blog, but it proved too difficult to write well. I also spent nearly 70 hours working last week at the 'Lifetime of Assets' conference in Phoenix, Arizona. I will definitely post more on that subject in the weeks ahead.

Today, I am struck by the prevalence of addictions in Western culture. Of course, there are the obviously 'bad' addictions - like drugs, alcohol, etc. Some would argue there are also 'neutral' addictions - like perhaps one you are entertaining right now 'surfing the net', or the fact that Americans watch an average of 4 hours, 35 minutes of TV per day (see last week's interesting USA Today article). The question I want to ask today is: are there healthy addictions?

Before I answer it (and I'd love your help, in the comments section), I want to share why I have been intrigued by this of late. At virtually the same time that I started blogging, I joined a Fantasy Football league, mostly peopled by folk from my church. As I said during the 'draft,' I thought the girly men running around in pads and helmets was not very 'real' to begin with. For those who don't understand Fantasy Football, I'd explain it if I understood it myself. Essentially you match up against another 'team' and the 'winner' is selected by whose players perform the best (yards, touchdowns etc.) that week. I have played three games and have been the 'loser' three times...more reasons to dislike American football.

Somewhat like blogging and blog-reading, I have found fantasy football quite addictive. Who are the best players to play? How do I deal with the fact that Terrel Owens, one of my wide-receivers, recently attempted suicide or accidentally overdosed (depending on your perspective)? Etc., etc. I have surprised myself how much interest and analysis I have put in to my unsuccessful attempts to best the imaginary teams of my friends from church.

My point? In our tech-obsessed culture, addictions that we may have seen as 'neutral' definitely have some negative components. As believers seeking to bring glory to God - in this life, and the next - we must embrace positive addictions. This week I tried the process of diverting my regular habits (addictions?) of checking news sites, trying to work out fantasy football, and other distractions, to read my Bible - either physically or on the web. I found it helpful, but think it's the tip of the iceberg. The Bible tells us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17) and to "let the word of God dwell in [us] richly" (Col 3:16).

In Paul's words:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Phil 4:8)

In mine:
Do it addictively!