From birth forward, each person learns to serve their wants and physical needs, progressively, developing a passion for a multitude of worldly enticements. 

Being born in sin (Psalm 51:5) with the nature in “Sin in the flesh.” (cf. Rom. 8:3). Our nature is to hyper-focus on our bodies, becoming addicted and under its power to serve its every need. If we’re hungry, we feed it, and when fearful, we protect ourselves. The flesh seeks immediate gratification to “the lust of the flesh.”

“All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16)  

After Adam art of the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” his conscience was enlivened but the sin nature overwhelms so that ‘you cannot do that which you know is right.’ Man grows up to be his own god, obsessed to serve ‘self’ and therefore, setting aside the will of the living God which is to serve others. This is the road man takes as he departs from Truth of God.

“Because that, 1) when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; 2) but became vain in their imaginations, 3) and their foolish heart was darkened. 4) Professing themselves to be wise, 5) they became fools, 6) and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man…” (Romans 1:21-23)

This inherited viral nature from Adam (the old man) is at the core of all men until it is crucified with Christ when we first believe into Christ and His cross-work on our behalf to liberate us from the power of the Sin-nature. Thereby, we no longer ‘have to’ be controlled by it. Thus Paul could write;

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power (addicted) of any.” (I Cor. 6:12)

God graciously provides a perfect replacement for fleshly addictions. We are to have our mind transformed by His thinking as He dwells in union with our spirit:

“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

As our mind is renewed by the truth of His word our focus will change to exalt the Lord and serve others as the flesh is no longer our god.

"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). (I Cor. 16:15)

This Scripture speaks in the positive way about saints being addicted or driven to serve others and their needs.

Think and learn about the basis of our natural old mindset and the renewed mind by studying Romans chapters 1-11. Our “Old Man” needs to be changed based on Roman’s foundational teaching concerning Our New Identify In Christ As Our New Person. Then go onto read on as Romans 12 introduces our interrelationship with all members of His Body and how to love them. The Spirit teaches us a genuine care for the saints above serving ‘self.’

When we see others benefit from our service, it will bring us real joy. In time, this joyful service can develop a new natural addiction to ministering to others on God’s behalf, serving others as a ‘living sacrifice.’

You can read About “A New Creature” at https://artlicursi.com/articles/new-creature