Drug Prevention in the Church
In our search for leadership to deal with the rising tide of drug deaths, I would like to examine drug prevention in the church as one of the fundamental sources of education and inspiration to help protect our children.
If you are a member of a church, I have to tell you that drug use by our young people is a challenge we must confront head-on. It’s a challenge that touches every member of a church from pastors to elders, deacons to boards, and all who believe in the guiding light of the Bible. Our mission is clear: protect our children from the heart-wrenching grasp of drug addiction.
What is drug addiction? Imagine you’re walking, and suddenly, you trip and tumble down a deep, dark hole. At first, it doesn’t seem too bad, just a bit scary. But the further you go, the scarier it gets. The hole is dark and you can’t see anything. It’s like being in a nightmare. And as you keep falling, you feel like you can’t stop. You feel like you’re trapped, and you can’t get out. You’re all alone in this dark place, and you can’t talk to anyone. Your family and friends are up above, worried about you, but they can’t reach you. It’s a lonely and scary place.
The Bible tells us why and how we have to protect our children from this darkness that threatens them.
Proverbs 10:17 – A Call to Heed Discipline
Let’s begin with a timeless truth from the book of Proverbs: “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, and he who ignores it, leads others astray.” These words speak to the heart of our mission.
Discipline isn’t just a word; it’s a roadmap to a purposeful life. It requires commitment, self-control, and the willingness to prioritize lasting goals over fleeting desires. When we heed discipline, we illuminate the path to a better life, not only for ourselves but for those who look up to us.
Proverbs 22:6 – Starting Our Children Right
As members of a church community, we carry a sacred duty – one articulated in Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
This verse emphasizes that shaping young minds is not a mere obligation; it’s a sacred responsibility. We must instill in our children the values and wisdom they need to navigate a world filled with pitfalls. Yet, what happens when this duty is threatened by the heart-wrenching grasp of a drug addiction?
Matthew 18:6 – The Consequences of Failing Our Children
Our church community cannot afford to ignore the harsh reality of drug addiction among our youth. Matthew 18:6 warns us: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
This verse paints a vivid picture of the grave consequences for those who lead our young astray. According to Proverbs 10:17 – A Call to Heed Discipline, if you do not teach them, are you leading them astray?
This is a stark reminder of the urgency of the matter at hand. Drug addiction threatens to pull our youth into that dark abyss from which, they may never return. It is our sacred responsibility to protect them by educating them about the dangers of drugs.
A Challenge and a Solution: Equipping Our Youth
As members of the church, we’re issued a challenge: to take action against the crisis of drug addiction among our youth. This is a call that requires unwavering commitment and dedication.
To address this pressing issue, I’m pleased to announce the release of my book, “Eric’s Song.” It’s a resource designed to equip our children with the knowledge and resilience they need to confront the challenges posed by drugs.
Sermon About the Dangers of Drugs
Furthermore, a sermon has been prepared, one that can be used to address this topic within our church community. It provides a structured and insightful approach to educating and inspiring our members. Access the sermon here. You are granted permission to use this as a sermon and or alter it to fit the charactoristisc of your congregation.
I invite each one of you to explore the initiatives of our campaign at SavingOurChildrenCampaign.com. Here, we are dedicated to fostering a safer and more informed environment for our youth. Your guidance, endorsement, and spiritual insight could tremendously enhance the impact of our shared mission.
Leadership and Prevention in the Church, Guided by Faith
In our pursuit of leadership that aligns with the teachings of the Bible, we’re called upon to take a stand. The crisis of drug addiction among our youth demands our attention, our commitment, and our faith.
Proverbs 10:17 reminds us that discipline is the path to life. Proverbs 22:6 underscores our sacred duty to start children on the right path. Matthew 18:6 warns us of the consequences of leading the young astray.
As a church community, by embracing prevention in the church, we can cultivate a generation empowered to make choices that lead to a brighter, drug-free future. Let us embrace this challenge, inspired by the wisdom of the Bible.
With resolute determination, let us be the leaders our children need, guided by our faith.
Article: Prevention in the Church
