Drugs
It is a good rule that the saint should keep his body pure
from smoking and excess drinking. And he should certainly keep his body clean of
drugs either of the narcotic or stimulant types unless it be under proper
medical attention.
In such a drug-accustomed world as ours, is it any wonder that
foolish young people, scared of the violence and uncertainties of the world into
which they have been born, should turn to drugs that will take them into a dream
world? Unfortunately there is always the awakening to an even more terrible
mental state as one becomes addicted to drugs.
What is not realized even by the habitual user of "hard"
drugs, is that he has set himself on a course of moral, spiritual, and physical
deterioration which may result in irreparable damage to the brain, lungs, liver,
kidneys, and bladder. Or the victim may find himself suffering from asthma,
heart disease, or other serious ailments.
One of the worst dangers of drugs is that different people
react to them in different ways. A few "pep" pills have made some people feel
over-confident and led them into silly actions. Others have become vicious and
brutal, in a few cases to the extent of murder; whilst others have become so
depressed by the pills as to commit suicide.
We have to work in the world, or we may have to leave home for
further study. But wherever we find ourselves, and however young we may be, we
are ministers of the Word and lights in the world. It should be our business to
expose the unfruitful works of darkness, meanwhile keeping ourselves "unspotted
from the world".
The world can be a cruel place; it is also a testing ground.
But we have the assurance that, if we are loyal to our spiritual heritage, we
shall with the Father's help conquer the world:
"Whosoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith."
*****
Also, see Lesson, Addiction
.
