Drug abuse is a cruel master that shows no mercy and takes no prisoners. And for parents who want to keep kids away from drugs, the challenge is real. Regardless of your demographic, there’s a good chance your children could access drugs if they wanted.
That’s a scary thought. It also should remind us of the responsibility we have to keep our kids away from drugs.
A Look at Culture
In some ways, the culture sends mixed messages about drugs. While many states push for acceptance of substances that once were illegal, they also must admit the rising frequency of addiction issues. As you work to keep kids away from drugs, it is worth noting what they might see in the world at large.
It is healthy to warn your children about the dangers of addiction, how even a single experiment can unravel their lives. You probably don’t want to scare them, but you do want to be honest. That means you need to do some research before you raise the subject with them.
You also can point to the devastation that addiction brings on the lives of others. Whether physical, social, intellectual, or even financial, drugs come with a high price. Like all sin, drug use will take you further than you ever planned to go and cost more than you could ever imagine.
Look to God’s Word
While culture can play a role in helping you keep kids away from drugs, Christian parents should be turning to a higher truth—the truth of Scripture. By grounding your kids in the message of God’s Word, you can show them that drug use is never part of God’s plan for their lives.
At the same time, you can teach them some foundational principles for rejecting the temptation when it comes their way. Here are five important truths you can emphasize as you strive to keep your kids away from drugs.
Our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
The Corinthians struggled with pursuing what was good and avoiding what was harmful. So, Paul reminded them that as believers, their bodies belonged to God. They were His possession, and they had no right to put things into their bodies that would lead to sin or create harm. Remind your children that they are God’s temple, so they have a responsibility to take care of themselves—including staying away from drugs.
God never wants us to lose control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 5:22-23)
Throughout the Bible, we find references to self-control and self-discipline. That doesn’t mean we have the strength to fight battles on our own. We still need God’s power to overcome our enemies. But God never wants us to surrender our senses to intoxicating or addictive substances. As you help your kids stay away from drugs, remind them of the dangers of losing control. If they can keep their heads in difficult situations, they can avoid the pitfalls that will derail their lives.
God always provides a path out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Temptation is not a sin. After all, Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1-13). But surrendering to temptation is where we run into trouble. Thankfully, God has promised to provide a way of escape for every temptation we face. Sometimes, that means avoiding the temptation altogether by avoiding certain places or people. Sometimes, it means removing ourselves from dangerous situations. Let your kids know that these are both wise strategies in steering clear of drugs or any other temptation the world might throw at them.
God loves your kids dearly (Zephaniah 3:17; 1 John 3:1)
As a parent, you love your children with all your being. That’s why you want to keep them away from drugs. But the truth is that God loves them even more. Your kids need to know that and remember that. They need to draw their identity from the unique, loving relationship they share with the God of the universe. Kids who know who they are in God’s eyes are less likely to seek cheap imitations like drug use to find meaning and purpose.
God offers forgiveness and restoration (1 John 1:9)
So, what do you do if the unimaginable becomes reality? You will need to seek professional help. That’s important. But you also need to remember that we serve a God of forgiveness. No sin, not even drug use, is beyond His grace. He still removes sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12) and buries it in the deepest parts of the ocean (Micah 7:19). If your child falls, he or she will need that assurance moving forward.
The Power of a Parent
Along with the truths of Scripture, the greatest weapon in the fight to keep kids away from drugs is involved parents. That means you play an important role in protecting your kids and teaching them to walk a path that both pleases God and keeps them safe.
You can do this through your own example. Your sobriety and your consistent stands against drug use will make an impact. Be sure your child knows where you stand and why. You also can hold your kids accountable. Yes, they likely will need more freedom as they get older, but only as they have earned it. Wise choices lead to more independence, while foolish choices shorten the rope.
You also should be praying for your kids regularly. Prayer is a powerful weapon in your spiritual arsenal, and it allows you to keep your kids in the Father’s hands every moment of every day.
The key is staying alert, staying informed, and staying involved. If you are present and accessible, your kids won’t need to go looking elsewhere for help or affirmation. And if you nurture a healthy relationship with your child, you’ll be taking a huge step toward keeping your kid away from drugs.
