The addict Week 23, 2013

So many people have started substance abuse innocently. They want some fun, and the promise of a feeling of ecstasy or peace enveloping them lures them to try it out.  Some want to prove their manhood or womanhood. Imagine the advert for an alcoholic beverage reading “come drink at the table of men”, and showing an empty glass of alcoholic beverage reads “a real man was here”. A friend of mine started drinking because it helped ease her menstrual pains, yet ”Who is always in trouble? Who argues and fights? Who has cuts and bruises? Whose eyes are red? Everyone who stays up late, having just one more drink” Prov 23:29, 30(GNB).  What of those who went into it because a friend persuaded them to try it out, and rather than being the odd-man-out illicit drug use is tasted.

“I could never be an addict,” I can hear you say. “I would never allow myself to be brought under the control of any substance, or any one for that matter.” Well done; nice resolve. Why are you so confident in yourself? “Haven’t you heard the saying ‘Do all things in moderation?’ I know where to draw the line” No. Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thess 5:22(ESV). “Ah, but there are necessary evils you know. The only thing is to avoid making a habit of such. Those who become addicts are genetically disposed to dependence.” I don’t agree. Evil is never necessary, it is a mark of its deceitful nature to appear needful at certain times. It is that appearing necessary which gives it grounds to enter and then control a person. Many started drugs to help them cope with busy schedules, chronic pains (both emotional and physical pain), and physically demanding jobs. So the barrow pusher or manual labourer starts it to help him with tasks to earn a living, and ends up spending all his earnings just for another joint. Theft ensues. Listen; you can never be in control of such substances. Mosquitoes carrying malaria parasite have been shown to be controlled to a measure by the parasite!

Consider Herod the tetrarch. He was in control of his kingdom, not so? The soldiers did his bidding, Rome granted him recognition, and cities depended on him for food (Act 12:20). When he felt it necessary to arrest John the Baptist for daring to speak out against his unlawful marriage to Herodias, he felt he had gone far enough. So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she couldn't do it because Herod was afraid of John. He knew that John was a righteous and holy man, and so he protected him. Whenever he listened to John, he did much of what he said. In fact, he liked listening to him Mk 6:19, 20(ISV).  Yet he didn’t release John until a time came when a rash vow made in the presence of guests forced his hand. At once he ordered a guard to cut off John's head there in prison Mk 6:27 (CEV). The easy way to stop addiction is abstinence. Already hooked? Jesus will cure you.