When it comes to posts about drugs on social media, there are typically 2 kinds of people making 2 kinds of equally ignorant comments. I feel the need to speak up about both of them because, on top of being ignorant, they are both equally damaging in many ways.
The first one I see many times is the statement: “I’m not hurting anyone but myself.” There are many others, but I want to focus on this one. This is one of the most ignorant, pathetic, justifying and damaging lies of the enemy that I have ever heard. Can I say that? Oh, I did. And believe me when I say I’m controlling myself.
Let me tell you something else: back in the day, I said the exact same thing myself. But after 30 years of drug addictions, and now 7 years of working on the other side attempting to help addicts, I see the lie for what it is.
Just like most other things in our society, we live in a time where Americans have started an era of an attitude of “Entitlement.” We think we deserve things or have a right to do them, regardless of whether or not it is legal. If I feel it’s right then I have the right to do it! This is why we justify, because we don’t want to own up to the reality that it affects more than just us. And even if we realize it did affect more than just us, so what! I have the right to do what I want with my body! And even if you think you aren’t hurting anyone but yourself, just the fact that you are willing to hurt yourself shows you have no thought or consideration for others.
Can I say “shut up!?” Oh, I did. It used to be that addicts and criminals were masters at justification, but now it’s most of our society. Isn’t it interesting or curious than so many in our society are taking on the same attitudes of addicts and criminals?! And there are many reasons why I detest this kind of ignorance and take a stand against it whenever I can.
The main reason is that thousands of people are dying every day from drugs! And there are millions among us who are addicts. If you or your family have not been personally affected yet, just give it time. And if you have ever had a loved one or friend who was or is affected by drugs/alcohol (or any addiction for that matter), there is NO WAY you can make such ignorant comments as: “I’m not hurting anyone but myself.”
An addict affects everyone around them, especially if they are living in the home. You are affecting mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. You are a potential grim reaper every time you get behind the wheel. You are supporting the dealer you get your stuff from, and all the other people, including children, that dealer supplies. If you have children, they KNOW what you’re doing and you affect their future! You must lie about things, and lying affects all those around you. You are defensive (as can be seen by the posts when these issues come up)! It affects who you hang with and where you spend your time (typically not with your children or close family members.) You spend money on that stuff that could have been used for something beneficial for yourself or your spouse or family.
In the home of the user, there is ridicule, avoidance, blaming, justifying, anger, and shaming. Outside the home there is hiding the truth, lying, making excuses and much more.
I believed the lie that I wasn’t hurting anyone but myself until 8 years ago when I received a victim impact letter 13 pages long from my mother. It’s a letter I wish everyone with this attitude could read. It’s a letter that showed me the reality that I was affecting others, especially those closest to me.
Romans 6:15-18 tells us that we all are slaves to something. You are either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. Those who justify their sin are slaves to it, plain and simple. And regardless of what YOU think, anyone who uses drugs and alcohol, especially an addict, ARE affecting those around them. And by making those ignorant comments public, you are passing on that ignorance to the next generation and allowing them to become just as ignorant as you were.
Before you start with all the negative comments aimed at me, I challenge you to get with a family who has personally dealt with an addict in the house or who has lost someone close to addictions. As much as you want to say it’s not that common, I guarantee you they won’t be that hard to find.
John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Remember, the enemy has had thousands of years of practice at lying to us, and if you are not In Christ, whether you believe it or not, you are being lied to by the enemy.
Last Update: Aug 13, 2017 11:47 pm CDT
