The Pastor’s Page
November News Letter
Just imagine if you could go to the doctor and get a shot that would make you immune to temptation—a temptation vaccination! We would no longer be tempted by all things that lead us to sin. This wild idea is actually not all that far-fetched. The pharmaceutical industry is closing in on a new approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction. Vaccines are being developed that would attack drugs in the bloodstream and keep them from reaching the brain. A vaccinated addict would find that their favorite drug no longer has any effect. Parents could get their children vaccinated and never again have to worry about them getting addicted to anything!
This sounds like an amazing breakthrough that could solve the problem of addiction forever. People use drugs for many reasons. The most basic reason is that it simply makes you feel good. The great guitarist, Eric Clapton, went through quite a battle with heroin addiction. He said in an interview that the very first time he tried heroin he immediately knew why there were so many junkies. Using heroin was so pleasurable that he knew he would use it again despite all the dangers. It was such an incredibly ecstatic experience that he was willing to take the risk. And within short order he was hooked.
Most drug users use drugs for the wonderful feelings of serenity they can bring. Most alcoholics drink in order to feel happy (that’s why they call it “happy hour”!). Drugs and alcohol are often used to find an escape from the pressures and worries of life. But there has always been a much safer way. I recently read an article about how neurological researchers have located the portion of the brain that is activated when people meditate and achieve a feeling of “nirvana”—inner bliss—a feeling of oneness with God and the universe. Many monks, whether they be Christian, Buddhist, or Hindu, spend a lifetime cloistered in monasteries and convents in order to devote themselves full-time to prayer and meditation in order to achieve what are called “ecstatic states of consciousness.” Many drugs, especially “psychedelic” drugs, seem to be a short-cut to doing that. Many native American Indians, as well as many Hindu ascetics, have been using hallucinogenic drugs for centuries as part of their religious rituals.
But today recreational drug use is a dangerous short-cut to attaining inner peace and serenity. I believe that, deep down, what drug users are really seeking is the inner peace that many religions of the world try to cultivate through the much safer means of prayer and meditation. Jesus once said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
Wouldn’t we all love to have that kind of peace and contentment in our lives. But we may not be so eager to do what it takes to achieve it. Like anything else, a deep devotional life takes work and practice. It’s not something that can be easily achieved by just showing up at church on Sunday mornings. That’s only the first step! Having a deep relationship with God is no different than having a deep relationship with our spouse or children or a good friend. We can’t have a close relationship if we only see someone one hour a week.
If we can develop a more intimate relationship with God, we will be much less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol when we hit a rough spot in life. We sometimes refer to tough times as encountering a “storm” in our life. It’s a good analogy. Storms at sea, like storms in life, often sneak up without warning. A good sailor has to be ready and prepared. Skills that were learned and honed through long experience are needed when a storm hits. The middle of a storm is not the time to suddenly learn those skills, it’s the time to use them.
What about us and the metaphorical “storms” we encounter in our lives? The storms of life often hit suddenly and unexpectedly. Sudden illness. An unexpected death. Divorce. Natural disasters. Are we ready when a storm hits, or does it really wallop us because we’re totally unprepared? Have we learned the skills it takes to cope—skills such as prayer and meditation and other spiritual disciplines? In a future Lenten study, I plan to offer mid-week classes on meditation and prayer and developing a spiritual life—watch for future announcements!
If we haven’t built a strong relationship with God—or with family and friends—the middle of a storm is not the time to do so. And it is then that we may seek some seemingly easier, but much more dangerous way out—such as drugs or alcohol or an illicit relationship. There is no vaccination that can give us the peace and tranquility and wisdom for coping that only God can provide. And God has tried to prepare us by sending his Son to show us the way that leads to true life. God “vaccinated” us with his Holy Spirit at our baptism. Christ has given us a “shot” of peace that only he can give. But it’s up to us to activate that spiritual power in our lives. Coming to church regularly is just one component to achieving a regular spiritual discipline. We also need to be regularly in touch with God through daily prayer and meditation. We need to regularly be in communion with God through the Lord’s Supper. If we can nurture a more intimate relationship with God, we will be ready and prepared when a storm in life hits. Thankfully, storms do not last forever. But when they hit, we can greatly lessen their impact and successfully navigate through them with God by our side.
Wishing you the peace only Christ can bring,
This sounds like an amazing breakthrough that could solve the problem of addiction forever. People use drugs for many reasons. The most basic reason is that it simply makes you feel good. The great guitarist, Eric Clapton, went through quite a battle with heroin addiction. He said in an interview that the very first time he tried heroin he immediately knew why there were so many junkies. Using heroin was so pleasurable that he knew he would use it again despite all the dangers. It was such an incredibly ecstatic experience that he was willing to take the risk. And within short order he was hooked.
Most drug users use drugs for the wonderful feelings of serenity they can bring. Most alcoholics drink in order to feel happy (that’s why they call it “happy hour”!). Drugs and alcohol are often used to find an escape from the pressures and worries of life. But there has always been a much safer way. I recently read an article about how neurological researchers have located the portion of the brain that is activated when people meditate and achieve a feeling of “nirvana”—inner bliss—a feeling of oneness with God and the universe. Many monks, whether they be Christian, Buddhist, or Hindu, spend a lifetime cloistered in monasteries and convents in order to devote themselves full-time to prayer and meditation in order to achieve what are called “ecstatic states of consciousness.” Many drugs, especially “psychedelic” drugs, seem to be a short-cut to doing that. Many native American Indians, as well as many Hindu ascetics, have been using hallucinogenic drugs for centuries as part of their religious rituals.
But today recreational drug use is a dangerous short-cut to attaining inner peace and serenity. I believe that, deep down, what drug users are really seeking is the inner peace that many religions of the world try to cultivate through the much safer means of prayer and meditation. Jesus once said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
Wouldn’t we all love to have that kind of peace and contentment in our lives. But we may not be so eager to do what it takes to achieve it. Like anything else, a deep devotional life takes work and practice. It’s not something that can be easily achieved by just showing up at church on Sunday mornings. That’s only the first step! Having a deep relationship with God is no different than having a deep relationship with our spouse or children or a good friend. We can’t have a close relationship if we only see someone one hour a week.
If we can develop a more intimate relationship with God, we will be much less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol when we hit a rough spot in life. We sometimes refer to tough times as encountering a “storm” in our life. It’s a good analogy. Storms at sea, like storms in life, often sneak up without warning. A good sailor has to be ready and prepared. Skills that were learned and honed through long experience are needed when a storm hits. The middle of a storm is not the time to suddenly learn those skills, it’s the time to use them.
What about us and the metaphorical “storms” we encounter in our lives? The storms of life often hit suddenly and unexpectedly. Sudden illness. An unexpected death. Divorce. Natural disasters. Are we ready when a storm hits, or does it really wallop us because we’re totally unprepared? Have we learned the skills it takes to cope—skills such as prayer and meditation and other spiritual disciplines? In a future Lenten study, I plan to offer mid-week classes on meditation and prayer and developing a spiritual life—watch for future announcements!
If we haven’t built a strong relationship with God—or with family and friends—the middle of a storm is not the time to do so. And it is then that we may seek some seemingly easier, but much more dangerous way out—such as drugs or alcohol or an illicit relationship. There is no vaccination that can give us the peace and tranquility and wisdom for coping that only God can provide. And God has tried to prepare us by sending his Son to show us the way that leads to true life. God “vaccinated” us with his Holy Spirit at our baptism. Christ has given us a “shot” of peace that only he can give. But it’s up to us to activate that spiritual power in our lives. Coming to church regularly is just one component to achieving a regular spiritual discipline. We also need to be regularly in touch with God through daily prayer and meditation. We need to regularly be in communion with God through the Lord’s Supper. If we can nurture a more intimate relationship with God, we will be ready and prepared when a storm in life hits. Thankfully, storms do not last forever. But when they hit, we can greatly lessen their impact and successfully navigate through them with God by our side.
Wishing you the peace only Christ can bring,
