By Pastor Anthony Scott
Strategically and with precise subtlety, the enemy has launched an all out offensive against individuals, families, and communities. One of His weapons of mass destruction (WMD’s) is substance abuse. In John 10:10, Jesus warns, “the thief does not come except to steal, and kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Therefore, in light of this offensive, it is imperative that Christians and the Church be both prepared and equipped to launch a counter attack. Christian ministry must be more intentional in its efforts to confront substance abuse in all forms. Christian ministry with an emphasis on prevention, deliverance, and recovery must and should become the mantra of the Church.
The Word of God has a wonderful program for dealing with issues of substance abuse: Repentance, Reconciliation, and Recovery!
Repentance is merely recognition that one wants and needs a change. Simply put, turn to God as your first step to newness and wholeness. Change is very difficult for all of us but change is our goal. Change is also hard and will be met with setbacks, resistance, and relapses. The good news for you in God’s plan of recovery is that He holds your hand and walks with you.
Reconciliation means that God loves you and because He loves you He has provided a plan for you to be rejoined to Him. The absence of certain things in our life will cause us to seek substitutes, satisfaction, and escape that are detrimental to our spiritual and physical well-being. Through His Son Jesus Christ, God has expressed His desire to be all that you need. For you to be reconciled to God means also for you to be restored. If you seek restoration, His hands are outstretched waiting for you to reach out to Him.
Recovery can only come by means of a Savior. As our Savior, Jesus wants to rescue those who are lost and guide them on the journey of recovery. If you are at a point of wanting this help, here are seven steps you can take.
- Admit that you need help! None of us is excluded from needing help at some point in our lives. There are just some things we cannot overcome on our own.
- Stop! Know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and you are a precious and valuable jewel to Christ. He died so that you would cease from all detrimental activities.
- Seek Support! We need spiritual support from the Word of God and physical support from agencies that care and people who are trained to help.
- Discover who you are and seek a change of lifestyle! The enemy will often distort your view of self in order to make other things more attractive. Know who you are in Christ and this will elevate your understanding of your self-worth.
- Stress Management! Realize that you have sought for artificial ways to cope with life’s problems. Stress, strain, and trial are a part of life. How you cope will determine your destiny. There is no substitute for a real relationship with a Living Savior.
- Prepare for Relapses! On a journey of recovery you will encounter setbacks and roadblocks. Be determined that delays may come but deliverance will not be denied.
- Evangelism and Discipleship! Salvation and Christian instruction are essential components of spiritual well-being.
If change is your desire and you don’t know what to do, seek out someone or some agency that can assist in beginning your journey. Remember, no weapon formed against you will prosper and you can be more than a conqueror through Christ who gives you strength. Don’t walk alone, there is someone who cares.
Inspiration for the Journey,
Pastor Scott
