I have an addictive and obsessive personality.

Why have 1 Diet Coke when you can have 6?
Why watch The Office straight through when you can rewind the funny parts and watch them 8 more times with DVR?
Back when I was 8 years old it was: How could you possibly go to sleep instead of persevering in Legend of Zelda until you conquered Level 9?

Now it’s other things. My addictions and obsessions are more sophisticated, but the song remains the same.

I’m addicted to seeing people give their lives to Christ, so I spend hours every week agonizing over the minutia of our worship services. If you ever see me staring off into space while you’re talking to me, I’m not bored, I’m just thinking about a sermon. Probably one I’m not preaching for 3 more months.

I’m obsessed with calling out the gifts and passions of leaders. So I bounce into staff members’ offices several times a day with a “What do you think about… ?” question that may screw with the entire structure of the church in order to make it better.

I’m addicted to personal growth, so I often have 6 or 7 books lying open on my desk at the same time.
(With obsession and addiction comes a mild case of ADD, I’m afraid.)

People used to tell me that my addictions and obsessions were a bad thing.
That I should get into moderation.

They were wrong, I think.

Addiction is a good thing. If you’re addicted to the best thing.

Being obsessed with the Gospel is mandatory for church leaders. So it turns out I fit the bill perfectly.

If you think this is far out, let’s bring the apostle Paul into the discussion.
Paul, what do you think about being obsessed with and addicted to the Gospel?

Colossians 1:28-29
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

When it came to the Gospel, Paul went beyond his limits and tapped into the very energy of God.

Call me an addict. But I won’t be going to rehab anytime soon.