1. The bible and addictions. From Chapter 3 of Addictions, discuss the nature of addictions. Why do people fall into addictions? What are some examples of common addictions (Chapter 1 has a list of common addictions)? Talk about how a person who maybe struggled with addictions? What does the Bible have to say about such matters?
2. From the lectures and Chapter 5 of Timothy Keller’s Every Good Endeavor, discuss why everyday work feels fruitless, meaningless, and even frustrating for so many. Give some light personal reflection on your experience working in the world.
3. After reading Chapters 6–8 in Timothy Keller’s Every Good Endeavor, discuss how work reveals the idols of our hearts. What idols does the author talk about and elaborate on whether or not you may see these idols at play in the work place.
The Bible and addictions
Addictions are complex conditions that involve compulsively seeking out and using substances or behaviors despite their negative consequences (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).[1] People often fall into addictions due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social or environmental factors (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018).[2] Biologically, certain genes may predispose individuals to become addicted in response to substances like alcohol or drugs. Psychologically, people may use substances to cope with mental health issues, trauma, or difficult life events. Socially and environmentally, easy access to addictive substances as well as social norms that support substance use can increase risk of addiction.
Common addictions include substance addictions like alcohol, tobacco, and illicit or prescription drugs as well as behavioral addictions like gambling and internet/video game addiction (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).[1] A person struggling with addiction may experience health, financial, legal, work/school, and interpersonal problems as a result of their substance use. They often continue using despite these negative consequences.
The Bible acknowledges humanity’s fallen and sinful nature, which leaves people vulnerable to all kinds of compulsive behaviors and bondages (Romans 3:23, Romans 7:14-25).[3] At the same time, the Bible offers hope. It teaches that through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ, people can find freedom and new life (John 8:32-36, Romans 6:1-14).[4] The church is called to support those struggling with addiction with compassion, accountability, and spiritual guidance toward recovery (Galatians 6:1-2).[5] Ultimately, the Bible’s message is one of redemption for the addicted as well as all people.
Why everyday work feels fruitless, meaningless, and frustrating
Timothy Keller argues that work often feels meaningless because deep down, many modern Westerners are still influenced by the Protestant work ethic which says that working hard will prove one’s self-worth and secure God’s favor (Keller, 2012).[6] However, in an increasingly competitive, globalized economy, it is difficult to feel truly successful no matter how diligently one works. I have experienced feelings of frustration in my work when striving to meet unrealistic expectations or when working long hours yet seeing little tangible impact or reward. Keller suggests that when external measures of worth like career success are one’s ultimate purpose, work will inevitably end up feeling empty (Keller, 2012).[7]
How work reveals the idols of our hearts
Keller identifies several modern “idols” that unconsciously motivate people and shape their experience of work (Keller, 2016).[8] One is an individualistic mindset where work is seen as a way to primarily express one’s own talents and preferences rather than serve others. Another is professional/economic success as the marker of self-worth rather than one’s character. A third is autonomy and independence rather than interdependence.
In my experience, the idols of success and autonomy sometimes manifest in workplace cultures where people define their value by their job title or accomplishments rather than their character. It can also breed an every-person-for-themselves mentality over collaboration. While driven by good intentions, an overemphasis on any of these idols apart from God as the ultimate source of meaning is bound to leave people feeling unfulfilled in their work in the end.
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, January). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/comorbidity/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders
[3] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.
[4] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.
[5] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.
[6] Keller, T. (2012). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work. Penguin Books.
[7] Keller, T. (2012). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work. Penguin Books.
[8] Keller, T. (2016). Preaching: Communicating faith in an age of skepticism. Viking.
