I was selected for Grand Jury duty and for two months I spent two mornings a week reviewing felony cases at the courthouse. The deliberation on the cases is secret, but I want to share some of what I discovered.
Drug use is destroying lives. When people become addicted, drugs take priority over everything. Addicts need lots of money to support their habit, but drugs make it hard to keep a job. They drain their family of money and cast them aside. They turn to crime for money, but they aren’t good at it, because of the drugs. Arrest and prison, doesn’t stop the downward spiral. They may try selling drugs, but they are in danger from suppliers and customers. Breaking into homes and businesses, car theft and armed robbery can get them more money, but can get them killed, or a longer prison sentence. The effects of drugs make them more desperate and reckless. As their mental and physical health decline, they are reduced to begging, petty theft, and shoplifting. Women may turn to prostitution, but their services become cheaper as time and drugs take their toll. If they survive, they end up living on the street, or get “three hots (meals) and a cot” in jail. We saw their cases after they graduated to the felony level.
Alcohol abuse is destroying lives. Alcohol is easy to get, comparatively cheap and legal, but many of the consequences are the same as drugs. Alcohol can take over lives and reduce people’s ability to hold a job. When drinking, some get violent, aggressive and lose all sense of right and wrong. Under the influence they hurt the people they love and it has broken up many marriages. People choose to drink and are liable for their actions, even after they can no longer control themselves. Driving while intoxicated can lead to huge fines and even prison after numerous convictions, or they could kill someone the very first time they drink and drive and be charged with murder. We got to hear the sorrowful tales of these self-destructive people, after it was too serious and too late. The Police are very good at arresting and the District Attorney is good at prosecuting criminals, but they aren’t good at saving lost souls. They try to help young criminals, but fail miserably. Probation and social programs won’t change people or break addictions. Prison protects the public but hardens criminals. As drugs and alcohol destroy people, their children are pulled into the same cycle of addiction, failure, crime and arrest. So what is the answer?
The answer is JESUS! He said “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 KJV). Addiction isn’t part of an abundant life! He wants to set you free! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV). JESUS is good at freedom! The answer is GOD’s love! “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). GOD has offered you life! “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17 KJV). If you accept His great gift, you too can go from a death sentence to everlasting life! GOD is good at saving, loving and giving life!
Wayne Lance (2018)