Right Choices
In light of the recent death of singer Whitney Houston I am going to re-post an article I posted back in March of 2010 right after the death of my brother to drugs and alcohol. If you think you can drink or use drugs without consequences, then you are being deceived.
Be Careful How You Live
As I sit at my computer this morning I am thinking of my Dad. This weekend we heard that my little brother died in his sleep sometime Saturday morning. Out of respect for my family I will not go into many details here, but I know that he has struggled for many years with life controlling issues (drugs and alcohol). I will most likely never understand all the demons and the pain my brother must have been in over the years, but I do know he had many opportunities to choose a better path in life. I have many fond memories of him, but to be honest with you the bad memories just seem to overwhelm them right now.
As a pastor I can’t begin to count how many people I have had to pray with, counsel, comfort, and console over the abuse of drugs and alcohol. I remember the grandmother who I prayed with at the altar who, with tears in her eyes, said to me, “My entire family-children, and grandchildren- are being destroyed by drugs and alcohol and it is slowly killing me.” Over the past seven years I have prayed with children, and young people who are deeply in love with parents who are more concern about drinking and using drugs then those who love them. It is absolutely the most heartbreaking thing I have ever witnessed. Why would we forsake those we love for a buzz? Let me just say here right now and I know it will not be popular, but there is nothing good that will ever come from abusing drugs and alcohol. In fact, I have seen nothing good come from alcohol at all.
When people choose to use drugs and alcohol they may be thinking that the only one who is being affected is them. What a selfish and just wrong way of thinking, the bad choices we make in life affect everyone who loves us. As a pastor let me encourage everyone who is reading this blog, don’t use drugs and don’t drink; not even socially. There is simply nothing good that comes from it.
Eph 5:15-20
15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV
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Pastor John;
I never knew your brother or knew you had to go through this situation in your life, but I can relate with you about your family suffering.
Norma and I are doing great, we believe Jason truly had his valley experiance this time and have seen a real change in his life and attitude.
You and Han are always in our conversations even in your absence.
Some day when we cross paths again, I will extend my hand and say; “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Hi Chuck,
I often think of Jason and I hope he is doing well. I will always have a soft spot for that young man. You and Norma are in our thoughts as well. You guys need to come visit us when you get a chance.
Blessings
Pastor John