Recently, a flight attendant appealed his 2 years and 3 months jail sentence for possession of illicit drugs. He felt that he was being hard done by because his intent was to share his 47 gram stash amongst his friends. I had visions of pre-rolled joints, ready for a quick hand-out at his next party, and I also thought the sentence seemed high when compared to others. But, no…this was not marijuana, this was 47 grams of methamphetamine, that he claimed to have ‘found’ in Auckland. Personally, I have not as much as taken a puff on a joint. But, as all those TV shows are apt to assure us, drug use and abuse are closer to home than one thinks. Many parents cry tears of despair into their pillows every night. Often finding out about the problems when the abuse is already well established. Your heart breaks for all concerned. Christians must encourage authentic ‘Faith Based’ help. The journey back can be a long one, and a lot of godly support is needed. Let me encourage you parents who, praise the Lord, have not had kids involved in drug use. Do some detective work of your own. Know where your kids are, and who they are with at all times. If you suspect something, check it out. When that brother at church says, “I send workers home if they are stoned,” don’t start moralising, ask, “What are the signs?” When someone says, “I am afraid to move to a school, or neigbourhood, or country because of their drug culture (booze included),” don’t say things like, “Well, you know you can’t stop this stuff,” say, “Praise the Lord, you are an honour to parenthood.” We have to gang-up on this evil. If I haven’t got your back, I need to get out of your way—and go away and repent! The church is the safest environment I know. That’s because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Together we draw upon a divine power that is victorious over all things—if we want it. “For we do not have a high priest [Jesus] who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb.4:15-16).
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