Read Isaiah 58

I understand there are polar opposite opinions on the George Floyd issue; however, there is something stemming from this case that I believe is one thing we can all agree on: drug addiction is a problem. It is easy to blame the abuser and wonder why they won’t stop. Sometimes, we justify their behavior as a lack of brain cells. Who would be dumb enough to destroy their lives like this?

The answer, to me, is simple: no one. No individual becomes addicted because they thought, “I want to destroy my life for a hit.” Drug dealers don’t go walking around selling this crap and stating how bad it is for you. Much like the fast-food industry doesn’t sell cheeseburgers and french fries, saying, “this processed sugar is likely to get you hooked on our food, give you obesity, bless you with diabetes, and destroy your bathroom scale.” 

Illicit and addicting drugs are marketed as an escape, a rebellious act, or an excellent time to forget your troubles. It isn’t abusing; it’s oppressing. It’s a false promise that captures unsuspecting people and turns them into money giving slaves. Don’t call people stupid because they bought meth instead of diapers for their baby. No, be angry–no, furious–that such an evil drug exists that greatly influences those kinds of decisions. 

How many people could be saved if we at least attempted to view drug abusers as victims in a ridiculous, cruel, and heartless industry? What if we practiced those age ole’ concepts of Christian forgiveness and acceptance? Where are the marches for better drug enforcement policies? Where are the public outcries for more government spending to combat drug cartels? Where are the walks to cure drug addiction? Are there any philanthropists donating to this? According to Philanthropy News Digest, the problem is hardly visible. 

We should be mad at this injustice! There should be righteous anger toward this epidemic–a savage anguished cry for God’s oppressed children. A tearing of garments, if you will! The roar of God’s voice is heard:

 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” 

Isaiah 58: 6, 9b-10

Human life is worth more than poking fun at someone’s disposition for some laughs. Reverence for all life should preside higher than a judgment call on someone’s drug-influenced behavior. Making fun and casting judgments onto a drug addict doesn’t fix the problem. And it certainly doesn’t do anyone any favors if they’ve chosen to represent God on Earth.

Heavenly Father,

Bring this righteous anger against drug oppression to fruition in all your people. Guide our hearts, make us yearn for our suffering brothers and sisters. And help us be harbingers of your wrath against an overwhelmingly corrupt industry. Amen.

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