We can simply stay away from some of the things that are bad for us. A person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol will be counseled by those with experience to abstain totally from alcohol: no social drinking, no wine every now and then. Just leave it alone. Never touch it. The same principle applies if the addiction is to gambling or pornography and many other kinds of addiction. Overcoming an addiction is hard work. It takes courage, willpower, the support of others, and the grace of God at a minimum. But, at least you know what you have to do. You have to stay away from whatever it is you are addicted to. We can completely cut ourselves off from some things that are bad for us.

First Timothy proclaims that money is bad for us, or at least that coveting money, loving money, chasing afte…