Crossing This Invisible Line Puts Our Lives in Jeopardy
Photo by Enis Yavuz on Unsplash
A Lesson Unlearned
Self-determination is the historical essence of our American culture. This runs the gamut from becoming successful entrepreneurs to tackling poverty and the global environment. Early on we’re told, “You can do anything you put your mind to—If you can think or imagine it, you can do it!” If only this were true. But it’s not reality.
The harsher reality is that we are a nation plagued with opiate addiction across many ages and backgrounds, along with alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse. What’s crazy to me is the continuing push to legalize recreational marijuana nationwide, beginning with “medical” marijuana.
Marijuana, also known as Mary Jane, weed, pot, or cannabis, is seen as a panacea to alleviate stress and provide pain relief, but also as a way to reduce societal problems and incarcerations. Say what?! Didn’t we learn this lesson already in the ‘80s? I guess not.
While raising a young family and pastoring a church, I went back to school in the 80s to get certified as a substance abuse counselor. It wasn’t to add to my educational attainment, nor because I was bored or wanted a second career. It developed in response to a need.
An inequitable school district policy impacted a family in our church, but the superintendent and school board wouldn’t listen to my concerns without credentials. In order to challenge their policy on drugs and alcohol, I needed credibility they respected—education.
I took night courses and went to reputable training workshops. I learned of the scientific elements and dynamics of introductory chemistry and substance abuse and gained essential insight and practical training. One simple lesson learned was the long-lasting effect of marijuana on the brain. But it’s a lesson forgotten or a lesson unlearned.
Another essential distinction I learned in my studies was the simple reality of substance abuse. Although a chemical substance may have some medicinal value, it is subject to abuse. Any drug—and alcohol is a drug—is a chemical substance. When someone abuses any drug, including alcohol, there is an invisible line that carries significant consequences when crossed.
An old proverb gives the sense of what I’m saying—
A man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man.
The following verses in Proverbs 23, written long ago, echo the essence of this proverb and more recent research.
Scripture
Who has trouble? Who has misery? Who has quarrels?
Who has a complaint? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who drink glass after glass of wine and mix it with everything.
Do not look at wine because it is red,
because it sparkles in the cup, because it goes down smoothly.
Later it bites like a snake and strikes like a poisonous snake. (Proverbs 23:29-32 GW)
(Context—Proverbs 23:26-35 GW)
Simple insights
These selected verses in Proverbs 23 (vss 29-35) speak to the seductive and self-deceptive power of wine. But it’s relevant for any form of drug, whether legal or prescribed. Of course, in certain medical cases, prescribed medications may be needed for an individual’s health, but people can and often do abuse these prescribed drugs.
The problem comes when we think we can control this power. This is a lie and a self-deception. Its power is seductive and subtle, as the proverb says — the drink takes a drink ...[then] the drink takes the man (person).
So, what is the takeaway from all of this? Go down the list of questions and statements in Proverbs 23:29-35. If any of this is somewhat true for you, you have a problem. If so, it’s only a matter of time till you cross the invisible line unless you address your problem honestly.
I accept and believe the truth of these verses because of real-life experience—personal experience with drugs and alcohol, my family history, and my experience as a pastor and counselor, along with my education and training.
A few things stand out to me even now and still hold true, which brings me to these verses in Proverbs about wine and alcoholic drinks—
Alcohol is a drug—just as opiates and cannabis are drugs. It’s a depressant, not a stimulant.
All drugs—even the prescribed and legal ones—cause physical and psychological damage at some level in every person. Verifiable scientific data backs this up contrary to popular opinion.
A person doesn’t need to become addicted to have a drinking or drug problem. If a person’s use, whatever the amount, causes problems for them at work, home, in relationships, or in their life in any way—they have a problem and it will only get worse with time if left unchecked.
Once a person becomes alcohol or drug dependent, they cannot free themselves from its power over them on their own. They’ve crossed the invisible line—a line only visible when it’s crossed.
I’m not advocating total abstinence unless a person knows they have a drinking problem. Even the Bible says, “…use a little wine for the sake of your stomach….” (1 Timothy 5:23) and Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). But I find people using these biblical texts as a way to justify themselves.
If you’ve got a problem—whether small or large—get help. The first place to turn is to God. It’s also what the first three steps of Alcoholics Anonymous declare (the 12 Steps were originally based on Scripture).
The Book of Proverbs is a treasury of practical, philosophical, and spiritual wisdom. Wisdom intended to keep a person from crossing this and other invisible yet consequential lines. Sadly, the author of most of it did not follow his own advice. We need to learn the lesson he forgot.
Reflection—
God calls us to Himself to set us free, not imprison us with legalism. But when we find ourselves seduced and self-deceived, we need to call out to Him to set us free. Only He knows where the invisible line is for each person, and He is the one who can set us free.
Prayer Focus—
If you find yourself heading toward the invisible line of dependence or have crossed it, humble yourself and cry out to the Lord for help. Then ask His guidance to help you find others who will support you in getting free from dependency or problems related to alcohol or drugs.
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