We All Do It for a Reason

For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed . . . 2 Kings 21:3

We do it for a reason. This is something I find myself saying often in addiction medicine clinic. Frequently, as my patients tell the story of their drug use, relapse, and painful consequences, they find themselves asking why. Why would I go back? I knew how miserable that life was. And I knew how good recovery was. Why would I throw it all away? From the outside, it looks like an absurd decision, and it was, but again, We use for a reason. The drug does something for us that we thought we wanted or needed. In consuming the drug, we find escape, relief, release, or comfort. We were hurting in some way and so, we reached for that thing which provides immediate gratification. Yes, we know the pain that will come later, but right now, the drug has what we want.

Even if it appears absurd to do so, we all return to self-destructive behavior for a reason. This is illustrated in today’s passage, which tells of the reign of Manasseh, the 14^th king of Judah. His father, Hezekiah, had been a good king, removing the High Places, which had been a place of idol worship and sin for centuries. Hezekiah finally tore them down in obedience to God. When his son Manasseh assumed the throne however, he rebuilt the high places and reinstituted idol worship. Why would he go back?

In reading the passage, I find it ridiculous. Why would anyone knowingly and willingly go back to a behavior that has led to so much misery and pain. I know the answer though. Whether it’s food, sex, or drugs, I know that following my appetite will provide some relief, release, or comfort. I also know the pain that will follow, but right now, I want the immediate gratification that my appetite has to offer.

This isn’t going away. Immediate gratification will always have something I want. Recovery then, is learning to think things through, recognizing the difference between pleasure and contentment. Choosing pleasure will feel good now, but it will cost me tomorrow. Following God and abstaining from pleasure will mean some sacrifice now but will provide lasting contentment and joy tomorrow. So, if I desire to not be miserable tomorrow, then today, I must choose to follow God, denying my appetite. I may follow immediate gratification for a reason, but if I think it through, that reason isn’t nearly good enough to do the thing today that I know will make me miserable tomorrow.