Last week, I preached to those who are addicted to the "Devil in a Bottle" This week, My sermon is for those who witness the destruction of the ones they love so much. These people are victims without any choice in the matter. The Family.
The mother who can't sleep, not knowing if her son is dead. The father who is called at work and is told his son has just been arrested. The children who have school the next day but can't sleep. The toddler who has no milk and is crying while watching Daddy beat up Mommy. The infant so innocent but constantly crying.
We see in so many families across the United States the results that alcohol and drugs has on the family. Not just those addicted. But the entire family.
I feel sorry for the people that the Devil has trapped with the sickness of addiction. But, I also feel sorry for their family. Dad and Mom who have to watch their son or daughter self-destruct right before their very eyes. A walking time bomb ready to explode. While the rest of the family implodes.
As bad as it may be. As the drummer boy beats his last beat. I have a word from the Bible for those families who are suffering from having a family member addicted to the Devil in a Bottle or addicted to Satan's poisenous venom of drugs.
The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 Thats a great promise. But somewhat misunderstood.
Can you think back of how you was brought up ? Have you forgot ? No, you never will. Even when you get old. As long as you live you will remember some of those childhood memories. Did you go to Church as a child ? Who taught you to ride a bike or play drums ? See, there's the proof. Your older and you still can't depart from those childhood memories.
Think about the wise man who wrote that proverb that was inspired by God. It's a promise that you will never depart from what you have been taught. It's not a promise that you will make it to heaven. Only by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior will do that. Repent and turn from your sins. You may never get a chance to grow old ? The Bible says, "For the wages of Sin is death."
A person addicted to drugs or alcohol or both is headed down a dangerous road. The drumbeats of their hearts are panting fast. Time is running out. Never to beat again. Because they departed from the truth that they learned as a child.
Your choices are two, Heaven or Hell. Maybe even three. You may get another temporary alternative, Jail. You choose. Jesus...Jail...or...Hell.
To help your child. Don't feed their addiction. Tell them these three choices. Jesus, Jail or Hell. You can give them love. You can give them food. Don't give them cash. Don't get them out of Jail. Give them time to think Jesus, Jail or Hell. It's their choice. There's still Hope !