My Drug Problem

Growing up I had a drug problem. I was drug out of bed to go to school every weekday. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to church every Sunday morning. I was drug back on Sunday nights. I was even drug to Wednesday night Bible classes. I was drug out the door for disciplining when I was disrespectful in church services. I was drug to VBS, potlucks, devotionals, and to visit other Christians. Those drugs are still in my veins; they affect my behavior in everything I do, say and think. I am always thankful for my parents who gave me my drug problem (adapted from an unknown author).

Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Sometimes we do not realize the impact of our actions and examples on our children. Studies of attendance patterns suggest children of parents who typically missed one service a week would miss two when they were out of the home. Those with parents who missed two services often missed three. Can you guess the attendance pattern of children whose parents only went to one service? Our actions and examples are important. The training we give our children today will influence them the rest of their lives.

Often it seems the problem is we do not see the value of assembling together. We say to ourselves: It’s boring. I don’t get anything out of it. I’m tired. What we need to ask ourselves is what are we putting into it? Are we coming to be entertained or to praise and worship the God who graciously saved us from our sins—the God who blesses us with food on the table, and shelter from the elements? We need to realize that worship is not about receiving, but giving. It is with this attitude that we will find value in church services.

Even if we get nothing out of services, our presence is an encouragement to others. Hebrews 10:23-25 says it is through our assemblies that we stimulate one another towards love and good deeds and encourage each other to hold fast until the day of Christ. In those days, some were in the habit of forsaking this assembly. That habit changed an encouraging situation into a discouraging situation. Christians coming to recharge themselves spiritual to stay faithful in a wicked world instead saw empty seats.

We need to realize the value of assembling together and give our children a drug problem that will affect them the rest of their lives.

By Jeremy Sprouse

Jeremy has been married to Erynn since August 1999. They are blessed with six children: Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn. Jeremy preaches for the Patrick St. church of Christ in Dublin, TX.