“America’s War on Drug”

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.”" (Proverbs 23:29-30)
 
Ever since I can remember we’'ve been engaged in a war on drugs.  For many years drug abuse has truly been a problem in our society especially among young folks.  I wonder if we are really winning.
 
America’'s most dangerous and debilitating drug is alcohol.  Alcohol is not just a threat because of its evil effects, but also because its wide social acceptance.  The industry spends millions of dollars to convince America of alcohol’'s so-called wonderful benefits .  Hypocritically, we warn our children of its dangers while in their presence we freely partake.  We send a family member to detoxify, and as soon as they are through we put a “"Bud Light"” in their face.
 
One of alcohol'’s greatest dangers is its ability to give the user a powerful sense of control.  The more they drink, the greater sense of “control” they experience.  This image is depicted in vs. 34,35 of the above passage:  "“Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’" (Proverbs 23:34-35)  The drunk sees himself as the captain of the ship when in reality he is "out of it"!
 
Alcohol is so much a part of our culture it is difficult for the non-drinker to gain social acceptance.  Anyone who does not drink must be strong enough to find those who accept him or her.  This is much easier for adults, than for teenagers.  The strong need for social acceptance makes the temptation for alcohol even more pressing!
 
Alcohol is a drug that has no place in the life of Christian.  It is sinful both in excess and in moderate social use.  See I Peter 4:3.  Anyone professing to imitate the purity of Jesus will abstain!  
 
By George Slover

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