Comment By Torchlight

Drug Addiction

Increasing references to drug addiction in the Press reflect the rapid growth of this terrible social evil. In its wake follow crime and immorality of the most degrading sort. Illicit traffic in habit-forming drugs is now becoming a serious anxiety to the authorities. Drug addiction could well become as great a problem as alcoholism.

One of the most disturbing features of the situation is the growing use of pep-pills among teenagers. Such habits may lead on in a few years' time to addiction to the really harmful drugs which cause physical, mental and moral collapse. A social worker who has spent a great deal of time among drug addicts and beatniks stated recently, "Seldom, if ever, in British society have young people become so sin-scarred at such an early age". Many of these young people start taking drugs for "kicks" not realising the great dangers such habits bring.

It is the duty of all those in touch with young people to be watchful and to warn them of the serious danger of taking pep-pills and the like. Christian young people should completely eschew such habits and use their influence to dissuade others who may be tempted out of bravado to start on this slippery slope.

The influence of humanist philosophy on modern education is responsible for a good deal of the instability among modern teenagers. Criticising the humanists, a well-know headmistress stated recently, "When launching children on the hazardous voyage of life, many popular writers who should know better, say, in effect, to the young, 'Abandon the old charts. Christianity's baloney. Make your own maps'. But those old maps, based on Christian ethics were made by wise men and the result of centuries of human experience". How true! But we go further and say, Those old maps are God's unchanging word.

"Follow Thou Me"

These words, spoken by the risen Lord to Simon Peter at the conclusion of the memorable meeting with seven of His apostles at the sea of Tiberias, emphasize the personal responsibility of each disciple to his Master.

These seven men, confused and bewildered by the impact of recent events, had in desperation followed Peter's lead, "I go a fishing". Their operations were now rudely interrupted by the unexpected appearance of their Master on the beach. At once they realised that He was still to be reckoned with in their lives. His claims upon them were unchanged and now were to receive a new significance.

After the miraculous draft of fishes the disciples partook of the friendly meal beside the fire which the Lord had prepared for them at the lakeside. Warmed and refreshed by the practical ministrations of their beloved Master they now awaited His words. The Lord addressed Himself particularly to their leader, Simon Peter. Probing with divine skill into the motives of His chosen apostle, the Lord exposes the implications of Peter's avowed devotion, and lays upon,, him the solemn charge, "Feed My lambs" ... "Tend My sheep ... "Feed My sheep". Aware of the searching scrutiny of the Lord's words Peter attempts to minimize their impact by diverting the Lord's attention to one of his fellow apostles, and enquires, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Perceiving the motive behind the question the Master brought Peter back to the challenge of his individual responsibility, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me" (John 21.21,22).

"Follow thou Me." How important and necessary was this terse command of the Master to His wayward servant! There need now be no frustration, no conflict of loyalties. This single golden rule, "Follow thou Me" would simplify every problem, and direct the course of Peter's life to high achievement in the service of God and of His people.

Not only for Peter but for all disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ the individual responsibility of each to his Master expressed in the words "Follow thou Me" is of the greatest importance. It is true that in the service of God we have joint-responsibilities with other disciples but this in no way cancels out one's personal accountability to the Lord. We should each endeavour to fill the place for which divine grace has fitted us, neither disparaging others nor enquiring, "Lord, and what shall this man do?", but recognizing our personal responsibility to follow where the Master leads. With so much to distract and bewilder in modern life the problems and stresses of each of us would be relieved and simplified by a greater awareness of our Master's entreaty, "Follow thou Me". And this will give stability and character to our service, and bring us peace and harmony in our hearts.

To some the Master's call to follow, as in the case of the seven disciples at the sea of Tiberias, will demand leaving secular employment for whole-time service of the Lord. The Master chooses and calls, the disciple counts it an honour to obey. No more noble service than this can engage the hearts and lips of men. Let none hold back whom the Master calls.

I heard a Voice, Come, follow,

That's all!

Earth's joys grew dim,

My soul went after Him,

I rose and followed,

That's all!

unknown | Apr 1967
Comment By Torchlight