Keeping Kids Off Drugs

When I went shopping yesterday, there were two people standing outside the store with a table promoting the local DARE program. They were asking for money to help fund their cause, and giving out some toys and knicknacks for contributions.



For those not familiar with DARE, it was an organization launched by the police in Los Angeles during the 1980s to combat illegal drugs by educating kids in public schools. Narcotics were taking a huge amount of the department's time and resources at that time, so they wanted to teach children early on the perils of illicit substances, in the hopes it would reduce crime. They created, "DARE," an acronym for, "Drug Abuse Resistance Education," to promote this cause. As time went on, the program spread from Los Angeles to schools all across the United States to help curb drug use.

I walked up to the door and the young-faced man and woman smiled and asked, "Excuse me, sir, could I take a couple of minutes of your time? Do you know about the DARE program?"

"Yes, I do," I replied. "Actually, I was one of the first graduates of the program in the 1980s because I grew up near L.A."

"High five for that!" he shouted, slapping my hand. "Then you know how important the program is to help kids out."

"Actually," I said, "I've learned something since that time that is more important when it comes to the problem of drug abuse. You see, drug abuse is only one piece of a greater problem, called sin. Could I take a quick couple minutes of your time?" They both nodded, and I gave them each a million-dollar bill tract.

I walked the young man and woman through the Law and Grace of God, using analogies reflective of drug abuse, such as being arrested for controlled substance charges and being put in front of a judge. I told them about how our sins are just like someone breaking the law by dealing drugs or running a meth lab, and that sooner or later, we would have to suffer the punishment. But the good news is that someone took our place and paid our fine, clearing us of all charges. That person is Jesus Christ. They listened to the Gospel and understood what I was saying.

As I was wrapped up presenting things to them, I tied it back into their efforts and cause. "You see, when you're addressing drug abuse, you're only changing the behavior of the person and what they're doing. It's like telling a thief not to steal anymore. You may have stopped the crime, but it doesn't change the fact that the person will still be judged for their crimes. A behavior change alone isn't enough to be made right with God. And just like that, you will also be judged for the sins that you have done in this life, unless you repent and put your faith in Jesus Christ, that he paid the price for you."

While the young woman seemed very responsive to the Gospel, the young man said, "Yeah, well I still think I'll go to Heaven because I'm a good guy trying to do the right thing." Then he abandoned our conversation and went back to work, asking more people entering and exiting the store for donations.

Pray for these two young DARE workers.