07/1414 THE RELIGION OF ADDICTION

07/1414 THE RELIGION OF ADDICTION

A BAD CHOICE
No matter how much grief that the use of smokes and booze causes a family, the user has a commitment that is as strong as any religious conviction (because it is their religion and they don't even know it). They will "preach" that it is their "right" to drink or smoke and, "no one is going to tell me what I can and cannot do," as they "sing the praises" of substances that ruin and destroy millions and millions of people and families. Of course, it is their choice, but "right" has nothing to do with it. The fact that they are addicted means that they are already allowing someone to tell them what to do, while "testifying" that they are not "hooked." Not only do they argue for their belief and practice in addiction, they will resent and attack Christians and the Biblical revelation when they denounce these products.

A MISPLACED COMMITMENT
No matter how poor a person or a community is, there is always the ability to get smokes and booze. Then, if they get financial help, they may get food and medicine or other necessities. People and communities will trade their souls for the money that comes from producing and selling these drugs. Moral codes are twisted in order to allow and promote the growing, producing, selling and using of these drugs.

AN ENSLAVED CULTURE
There are entire cultures (it appears most cultures) that have made the use of these two drugs the unofficial pastime. In fact, to speak against these two drugs is paramount to being unpatriotic. Yet, I look at the devastation that the use of these drugs has brought to families. It seems perfectly clear that lives and families have been ruined, but the children continue the culture of self destruction and then pass it on to their children.

SACRIFICED CHILDREN
I don't see these addictions as "diseases" (though they do produce sickness and disease), but it appears from studies concerning alcoholism that there are some people who have a physical make up that gives them a predilection to addiction, from their very first drink. Yet parents put approval on drinking, not caring that they are setting the stage for a life of bondage and pain.

A SUBSTITUTE FOR CHRIST
People use these substances for pleasure, escape and as substitutes. Mostly they substitute the peace, joy and confidence that is found in Jesus. But with Jesus, there is no hangover or bad side effect or loss.

GOD SAYS...
Proverbs 20:1
(1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Isaiah 5:11
(11) Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

Isaiah 5:22
(22) Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: