So, you’ve realized you have an “addictive personality.” First off, welcome to the club—members are growing daily, and while we don’t have snacks (we’d eat them too quickly), we do have grace and a game plan? Whether it’s binge-watching 17 episodes of your favorite Christian drama in one sitting, obsessively scrolling dating apps to find “The One,” or inhaling that gallon of double-churned ice cream while contemplating your singleness—addictive tendencies can feel like a mountain you’re perpetually circling.
But before you spiral, let me assure you: you’re not broken, you’re human! And even better, you’re a human loved and redeemed by God. That means victory over these tendencies is possible. So let’s break it down with some humor, humility, and a whole lot of truth.
What Is an Addictive Personality?
An “addictive personality” isn’t about having a weird love for your favorite worship song on repeat (although Way Maker for the 87th time might need a second look). It’s a pattern of behavior where you easily fixate on certain habits, activities, or people. Basically, it’s when you lean on anything too much—whether that’s social media, caffeine, shopping for unnecessary Bible journals, or yes, even relationships.
As a single Christian, this can hit differently. Maybe you’re prone to thinking that once you find “the one,” all your issues will vanish like manna after sunrise. Sorry, friend, but unless your soulmate is Jesus Himself (which… isn’t quite how it works), they can’t fix your addictive patterns. But don’t worry—we’ve got tools for this.
1. Recognize Your Triggers (and Laugh About Them)
If you’re serious about dealing with your addictive tendencies, the first step is to know what lights the fuse. Triggers can be anything:
- Stress: “I need to relax, so I’ll just reorganize my fridge for the third time this week.”
- Boredom: “Oh look, I’ve spent six hours reading the comment sections of cat videos. Whoops.”
- Loneliness: “Maybe swiping through Christian dating apps will make me feel seen… for the next 17 minutes.”
The best way to beat triggers? See them coming and laugh at them. Humor disarms the enemy. The Bible says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). When you feel the urge creeping up, chuckle at how predictable it is:
“Oh, boredom, there you are again! You thought you’d catch me scrolling Amazon for devotionals I don’t need, huh? Not today!”
2. Fill the Void With Purpose (Not Sugar, Not Netflix)
At its root, addiction comes from trying to fill a God-shaped hole with things that don’t fit. You might think binging three “faith-based romantic comedies” is harmless—until you’re weeping because you’re still single and his proposal was just so… perfect. ?
Here’s the truth: God has a purpose for you that’s bigger than any temporary fix. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” So when you’re tempted to turn to quick comforts, turn to meaningful activities that fuel your faith and purpose.
Practical Ideas:
- Volunteer at church or a local shelter. Purposeful service fills the void.
- Start a creative project—a blog, a podcast, or that book you’ve been putting off.
- Memorize Scripture (yes, it’s harder than Netflix, but far more satisfying).
- Exercise… not for a six-pack, but for mental clarity. (Plus, it’ll help curb your ice cream ministry.)
3. Bring Your Struggles to God First (Before You Text Your Ex)
When cravings hit—whether for sugar, validation, or binge-worthy distractions—your first call shouldn’t be to your best friend or that person you know you shouldn’t text. Your first call should be to Jesus.
The Bible says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Not “Come to me when you’ve exhausted Netflix and Chick-fil-A.”
Instead of numbing your emotions, bring them to God. Tell Him, “Lord, I’m lonely. I feel like I need ______ right now. But I know You’re enough. Help me trust You.” Then sit with Him. Pray. Journal. Let His peace replace the need for a quick fix.
4. Accountability: Get Yourself a Truth-Teller
Dealing with addictive tendencies solo is like going into battle with a pool noodle. You need a community—someone who will lovingly call you out and cheer you on. Find an accountability partner:
- Someone you trust to keep things confidential.
- Someone who loves Jesus and speaks truth.
- Someone who won’t let you off the hook when you say, “It’s just one more episode…”
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Find someone to sharpen you, even if it’s uncomfortable. And hey, you can return the favor—they might need someone to pry the cheese puffs out of their hands, too.
5. Remember Grace: Progress Over Perfection
Here’s where things get real: You will mess up. You might delete Instagram, only to redownload it three days later. You might promise not to stress-shop but still find yourself with a cart full of books titled “Waiting for God’s Best.”
When you slip up, don’t spiral into shame. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God isn’t standing over you with a clipboard, tallying your mistakes. He’s with you, ready to help you start fresh.
Progress isn’t linear—it’s about taking small, consistent steps toward freedom. Celebrate the victories, no matter how tiny.
- Didn’t check your phone first thing in the morning? That’s a win.
- Paused Netflix after only three episodes? Well done, friend.
- Chose prayer over calling your toxic ex? That’s kingdom progress.
6. Replace Bad Habits With God-Honoring Ones
You can’t just stop bad habits—you need to replace them with something better. Here’s where you get creative:
- Instead of doom-scrolling, start gratitude journaling. Write three things you’re thankful for every day.
- Replace mindless snacking with Bible-snacking (a little daily dose of Psalms never hurt anybody).
- Swap endless dating app swiping for a Bible study or small group. (You might just meet someone there, and bonus: they love Jesus!)
Habits take time to build, so start small. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Build a system that points you back to God.
The Final Word: You’re Not Alone
If you’ve ever felt frustrated that your addictive tendencies are holding you back, remember this: God sees you, knows you, and still has a good plan for you. His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Being single doesn’t make this journey harder—it makes it uniquely yours. Use this time to grow, refine, and surrender your struggles to the One who loves you most. And while you’re at it, laugh a little. God isn’t surprised by your quirks, and He’s more than capable of helping you find freedom.
So next time you feel the urge to “just one more”—episode, cookie, swipe—pause, smile, and say, “Not today, addictive tendencies. I’ve got a God to lean on.”
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