“Dope”

North Georgia has a serious drug problem, any way you measure it. At a time when our community and our nation are troubled in so many different ways, substance abuse is consuming a vast amount of public resources in terms of law enforcement, health care and our court system. Social services are being strained to the breaking point, businesses are struggling, and certainly our schools are impacted by the growing dilemna of drug use by both parents and children.
The serenity of our North Georgia mountains is shattered all too often with sirens marking another incident of tragedy and violence either caused by, or made worse by someone ‘under the influence’. Whether it is the wholesale production, distribution and consumption of marijuana, the growing use of meth and heroin, or the abuse of more ‘acceptable’, legal but lethal drugs such as tobacco, alcohol and prescription narcotics, drug abuse is consuming lives and devastating the families of our area. The churches of our community are not immune to this issue, and cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the problem.

The issue of substance abuse is complex, with its root causes running deep, beyond the commonly cited factors like education, economic status and lack of community development. Addictions, like any destructive behavior, are the result of a flawed human nature, and the fundamental flaw in all of us is called SIN. Drug abuse is a spiritual problem, just like pornography, gambling or any of the more ‘respectable’ sins, such as pride, judgmentalism or gossip.

The true healing of families and lives and hearts broken by drugs is a process that must begin with and stay centered on a relationship with Jesus Christ. He alone is able to forgive our wrongs, heal our wounded bodies and minds, and provide the guidance and resources for a productive, fulfilling life. He can restore relationships, help us deal with our deepest cravings, and enable us to face life’s harshest realities free from the bondage of drugs. “The Lord is my portion” is the basis upon which drugs and other idols are cast down, our true needs are met, and we find our focus and purpose in life. Christ is the truth that can set us free.