Experimentation or Self-Destruction?

We are living in a world that is driven by living in the moment; driven by what feels good. The thought of escaping from the life we live is sometimes appealing, and with all of the crazy drugs out there it’s not hard to do. What we don’t realize at the time is that it is only temporary. It’s easy for me to push the over-used cliché, “Say no to drugs.” But for me to say that, I must give you a reason to say “no” to your friends, a good time, and a quick fix to the miserable life that you may be living. I know from years of living a shallow life that no matter how good it feels at the time- the destruction that is left behind is not worth it. There is this emptiness that follows.

I was the one that said, “I’m going to try everything just once.” I justified my behavior by calling it experimentation. That is so true! As more time went by, I wanted more. I became unsatisfied with the person I was when I was sober. I wanted to be the person that I transformed into when I was either drunk or high. And soon enough I was at a point where the high wasn’t enough. What I didn’t realize was that the further I got into the drugs, the more I hated myself. The person I became was confident, and outgoing- but that person was also fake, selfish, and hurtful towards others. When the high wore off, I was so disgusted with who I was. I was embarrassed of the person I had become. My friends may have thought I was fun, and crazy, but it wasn’t really me. And deep down, I knew that. I was searching for something to fill this void I had inside me that years of a sad childhood had created. There were issues that I needed to deal with, and the drugs just pushed them deeper inside of me.

Instead of looking for a temporary fix, I found a permanent fix. I stood before God, pleading to be stripped from the nastiness of my past. I couldn’t do it on my own. I had to make a conscious decision to change my lifestyle, and it was a challenge, but I found true fulfillment in repairing my brokenness, and living a life filled with love, selflessness and compassion. God filled the void that all of the drugs could not and He wants that opportunity with all of us.

This point in our life is crucial in determining who we become and what standards we choose to set up for ourselves. There will be a time where you have a choice to make. Right now you need to decide where you want to look to find your life fulfillment. Will it be in the world, or will it be in God?

Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Every person your age has had to make a choice to either cave in to the pressure, or stand up for what they believe in. If you are having a hard time because those around you are pushing you to do things you don’t want to do, stand on God’s promise.

1 Corinthians 10:13- No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

If you are standing at a cross-road right now in your life, I challenge you to seek God first. If you are trying to escape from something, drugs are not the answer. Only God can fill that emptiness that you feel. He will stand by you, and He will bless your decision to live a drug-free life that honors Him.

If you have already crossed that line, and are having a hard time breaking free from drugs, I plead with you to get help. It is never too late, but you cannot do this on your own and an addiction will not simply go away. It will eat at you until there is nothing left. Surround yourself with people that love and support you, and you will get through this. Remember that you are a child of God, and He loves you no matter you have done.

Morgan Pride- One Cubed International Staff