Addiction has been a growing problem in all communities for an incredibly long time. During the 1970s, drug abuse became rampant throughout the world. While drugs represent the most prominent addiction, other addiction forms have begun to surface within all cultures and social classes.

Alcohol addiction has become a major contributing factor in divorces, job loss, depression and suicides. Sexual addictions, such as pornography and prostitution, have devastated every social class and age group. Food addictions have contributed to a rapidly growing number of adolescents who are obese and unhealthy. Gamblers have more opportunities to indulge their addiction because they have increased accessibility to casinos, state-run lotteries, and Internet gambling.

While addictions are rapidly growing, the church is doing little to address the issue. Many Christians feel that confronting individuals about their addictions should be left to professional counselors. But counselors can only help individuals modify their behavior after they have acknowledged their addiction. Therefore, families and churches must unite “to speak the truth in love” to friends and family consumed by these demonic addictions.

Although most Christians acknowledge the multitude of addictions in society, they are extremely reluctant to confront these demonic hindrances to God’s purpose. Most Christians will form covenants with groups to pray for addicts, but they must do more — they must be a people called to action. James 1:22 calls all Christians to hear God’s word and put it into action. If Christians are to engage the 21st-century world, they will confront addictions throughout the culture.

Thank you for allowing me to be your SCBC president.

— PrTommy Kelly is pastor of Varnville First Baptist Church and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.