Some people are so predisposed in a certain direction (so inclined toward certain behavior) that it could be suggested that they are fanatic, obsessed or even addicted to it. While various words are used in the New Testament to describe such tendencies, both toward godly and ungodly behaviors, I want to examine the use of the English phrase “given to.”
Some, who are past feeling, “have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Eph. 4:19). It is not simply that they have a weakness for lewdness, uncleanness and greediness; it is that they have given themselves over to it. Lewdness describes an absence of restraint, in which unrestrained desires lead to wanton acts of every immoral nature. God says that it is possible to be “given to” this sinful behavior.
Some, set forth as an example and are now suffering the vengeance of eternal fire, had “given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh” (Jude 7). Residents of Sodom and Gomorrah did not merely have a weakness for homosexual relationships; they gave themselves over to that behavior (which God clearly condemns, even as strange flesh).
Others in the New Testament were warned and condemned for being “given to wine” (1 Tim. 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7; 2:3); given to “uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts” (Rom. 1:24); given to “vile passions” (Rom. 1:26); given to “a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Rom. 1:28). One can be “given to” this behavior.
However, turn and look at how this terminology is used of those who have an inclination and predisposition toward godliness. Christians are to be “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). This is to characterize them as something to which they are predisposed in a strong way. Are you “given to hospitality”?
Gospel preachers (yea, all Christians) are to give themselves “entirely…to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:15, 13). Some care nothing for Bible reading, Bible exhortation and Bible doctrine; still others are “given to it.” Have you given yourself entirely to it?
Best of all are those Christians who gave of themselves liberally to their brethren because “they first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5). Is that you?
You can be “given to” (obsessed with) ungodliness or “given to” (addicted to) godliness. Which one are you?