MEDICATED AMERICA
In today's world, we have a growing problem which is so very subtle, it's not even looked at as a problem. There is much rationalization about it and a great many of what I call 'yeah buts'.
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Revelation 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. |
1. the use or the administering of drugs
2. poisoning
3. sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it
4. metaphorically the deceptions and seductions of idolatry
The word origin comes from farmakeu meaning: one who uses or prepares magical remedies; sorcerer.
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Galatians 5 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
Okay, so let's talk about medicated America in light of the above. So we don't murder, fornicate and thieve - great! - are we on meds?
Are you one of the millions who depend on meds to make it through each day? If so, can you honestly say you're depending on God to make it through each day? Can't be both ways. Yes, God provides and He has provided the knowledge to doctors and the medical industry to alleviate much pain, illness and even death. Has God done this so that we can then say that the medical industry replaces God? Does God not answer our prayers when we need help? Are we so very stubborn that we don't accept God's answer because it isn't the one we were looking for?
These medications are addictive; they are as addictive as any illegal drug; physically, emotionally, mentally and psychologically. They are also a form of idolatry! An idol can be anything, or anyone for that matter, that replaces God in our priority. If Jesus is not first, then we are worshipping an idol. No, we may not be actively praying or physically bowing down to it. However, if we cannot even pray without first taking a drug then are we believing that with God all things are possible? Let me quote Jesus, "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). So, doesn't that mean that it's possible to live without drugs?
So we have talked about the first and last two definitions of this word. Ever listen to the side effects of some of the more prominent drugs that are administered as an every day necessity for the rest of your life drug? Do you think God gave this wisdom and understanding so that we would live on them for our entire life? Or, did he give us these to cure a problem, usage for the short term. So the side effects; are they poisoning people? Some side effects are so serious so as to cause death, short of that they can cause a person to take other drugs to control the side effects. Where does it stop?
Another side of this is what are we teaching the children? I know of a young person who at the age of 13 went to his mother and said "Mom I'm not happy." Do you know what was done because this pre-puberty teen was unhappy? He was placed on anti-depressants to alleviate this unhappiness. Does anyone know a 13-year old that IS happy? This child was taught that drugs are the answer and even though he is no longer on the anti-depressants, he has a drug problem with illegal drugs some five years later. So are we teaching them that there's a pill for everything? Rather than teaching them to go to the Lord and learn to deal and weather a problem until the Lord works it out to our own good? Rather than learning perseverance?
There's an interesting aspect to this - perseverance. Let's look at that, too.
This word appears in the New Testament 21 times, 20 being the same usage. Of those, 7 appear in Revelation. Look at the definition and even more applicable, the root words.
Upomone transliteraed hupomone
1. steadfastness, constancy, endurance
a. in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
b. patiently, and steadfastly
2. a patient, steadfast waiting for
3. a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
The word origin of upomene is upomeno transliterated hupomeno meaning:
1. to remain
a. to tarry behind
2. to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee
a. to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ
b. to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments
There are two roots to this word origin: upo and meno
Upo means by, under; and
Meno means:
1. to remain, abide
a. in reference to place
1. to sojourn, tarry
2. not to depart 1a
b. to continue to be present 1a
c. to be held, kept, continually
d. in reference to time
1. to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure 1b
e. of persons, to survive, live
f. in reference to state or condition
1.to remain as one, not to become another or different
2. to wait for, await one
We are to abide in Jesus and await his return. Are we doing that?
