“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.” John 3:19-21, Message Bible
If I claim that I am living my life walking in that God-light, addicted to His way of thinking and acting, then I will experience a shared life of fellowship and unity with Him and those around me. If this isn’t the case, then I am probably living more in that place of darkness, afraid of exposing myself. Check out 1 John 1:7. Accepting His forgiving grace removes the fear of blame and shame.
Addiction is simply a persistent compulsive habit. Transparency that leads to exposure of wrong thinking often is painful but does not have to bring shame. Instead of compulsively trying to cover up my wrong thinking and actions that keeps me from unity with God and man, why not become compulsive about learning, speaking and acting out truth. When God approves of my life, even my enemies end up shaking my hand. (Message Bible, Proverbs 16:7)