I Corinthians 16:15 “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” 

As a teen, I once had a generous, kind man offer to pay my way to starting into CCM. At the same time, though, my family’s plans changed and the offer was rescinded. My attachment to CCM and Southern Gospel did not go away, though. Various preachers through the years would preach in my hearing about the evils of CCM’s rock and pop. I struggled to give it up even when I started seeing the truth in what they preached. When I entered Bible college for the ministry, I waffled. The music on campus was not to my liking (godly music rarely is to the flesh), and I just couldn’t shake my attachment to CCM and Southern Gospel. One day it hit me, I was addicted. It seemed impossible, but I was. I thought addictions were just for alcoholism and drugs, not music. 

From our text, I Cor. 16:15, we learn how the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to serving God. What an interesting thought! Stephanas and his family had addicted themselves. That means then that addiction is a choice. Addictions don’t start all at once, but merely one step and choice at a time. Anything in your life can become an addiction: work, hobbies, family, entertainment, and yes, music. 

Do you know the real reason why I think most believers don’t give up CCM and Southern Gospel? They are addicted. Oh sure, they’ll tell you, “No, I’m not addicted. I could throw it away right now and never go back to it.” But they won’t. You know why? The music has become their idol. Dear reader, out of every single thing we’ve revealed in these articles, surely you can see how crucial it is to get rid of CCM and Southern Gospel in your life. Please, don’t let the addiction continue.