As the problem of substance abuse continuous
to hound millions of live around the world, especially the youth,
it is imperative to all concerned sectors to remain vigilant
in the fight against such social menace. In support of this worthy advocacy, presented here are some biblical reminders about the ill effects of alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicating substances on man’s well being. It is hope that these reminders would serve
As signposts for Christians, especially the young ones. Just us we need to look at signs and warnings on the road to guide us where to go and where not to go, so do we need these signs and warnings to help us avoid making that wrong turn that will end up in Addiction Alley. Drinking not allowed And so is the abusive intake of drugs and other intoxicating substances strictly prohibited. What can we get one ‘drunk’ is not just beer, liquor,
or any alcoholic drink. Drugs like metamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, can do so, too, with an even more dangerous effect. So can other substances, such as
marijuana, solvent, or even tobacco. Getting drunk with any of these substances is to break the law of God. Hazardous to health “Don’t let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you. For the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper.” (Prov. 23:31-32,
New Living Translation) We have seen and heard of many tragic real-life stories on how alcoholic and drug users were literally eaten up by their addiction. Their once healthy bodies became as pale and skinny as breathing carcasses, waiting any second to be devoured by vultures. Indeed, the age-old proverb of King Solomon rings true today as ever. For, even though drinking is seen to be fun and getting high on drugs is thought of as a pleasurable way to escape life’s woes, the biting truth is that alcohol and drugs are poison and simple suicide. Slippery when wet Or in this case, when ‘high’ or ‘drunk.’ For indeed, a slippery situation is what one gets himself into when he indulges in alcohol and drugs: “Who has trouble?
Who has misery? Who has a complaint? Who has wound or no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who drink glass after glass of wine and mix it with everything.” (Prov. 23:29-30,
God’s Word) To restate, who are those who get involve in bloody fights and figure in horrible accidents? Who often end up doing shameful and foolish things, like prostituting themselves to crime syndicates? They who take sniff shot (of heroin), or what have you. Dead end
This is precisely where substance abuse will lead you to. There is nothing to gain from but everything to lose in being a drunkard or an addict: “Woe betides those who rise early in the morning to go in pursuit of drink, who sit late into the night in flamed with wine.” (Isa. 5:11,
Ibid.) “Woe to those who are ‘heroes’ when it comes to drinking and boast about the liquor they can hold.” (Isa. 5:22,
Living Bible) Take note: it’s not “Whoa!” as to denote thrill or excitement; it’s “Woe,” meaning curse or punishment. This is because drunkards, be it with wine or drugs or any intoxicating substance, are among those doomed to suffer the severest of all punishments: “…Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people,
drunkards, abusers, and swindlers-non of these will have in the kingdom of God.” (I Cor 6:9-10, NLT, emphasis ours) “… Their doom is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” (Rev 21:8,
ibid.) No U-turn So, are you among those who have made the wrong turn and now face such dead end? What you should do is get back on the right path or road and start over again. And when you have done so and are on your way to righteousness, there should be no turning back. Rehabilitation may not be easy, but as Apostle Peter says: “ You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy-their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties. So then, arm yourselves with the same attitude
had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning.” (Pet. 4:3, 1. ibid.) Doing what it takes to be worthy of Christ’s sacrifices and death can be like driving on one long, bumpy road. But it is this road that leads to a better place. Far better than we can imagine. So, let us keep to this road and drive straight to reach that destination, as what Apostle Paul did, saying: “So I ran straight to the goal with purpose in every step….. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.” (I Cor. 9:26-27, ibid) “…. I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.”
Meer samenvattingen over de Anti-Abuse Signs and Warnings vs. Drugs and Alcohol