Curbing the Vices of Human Behavior

Curbing the Vices of Human Behavior

Alcohol addiction is a plague in our society that is killing thousands, and harming countless others. This addiction leads to often unintended consequences, including accidents that result from driving under the influence. On a practical level, some strategies could be implemented in order to curb drinking and driving. We can encourage drivers to consider alternatives such as: hiring a taxi, planning ahead, calling a friend or asking a neighbor or acquaintance to drive them. Public action, such as more DUI awareness and also safe-driver courses can help curb drinking and driving. Advertising can also be an effective means of creating safer roads, through targeting specific age groups and demographics which are more likely to drink and drive and by using consequential graphics, statistics, and information to help persuade them to not drive under the influence. However, despite numerous public service campaigns and programs about the dangers of drinking and driving, many people still do it. The heart of this question is really much deeper: How do we change the vices of human behavior? How do we change what people desire and want? While evil is not in a substance itself, whether created by God or manufactured by man, freedom is the issue. If a person is not free, than they are still bound by something: “…for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:19). “Everything is permissible for me”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”–but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23). The answer to being free lies in the power of the Holy Spirit to free us, not just from making poor decisions like drinking and driving, but from the addiction itself. He helps us to make healthy choices for ourselves and world around us. I have met the struggles of addiction and only found freedom in one place: God met me with His love in such an incredible way. I experienced His presence in a real, tangible way. God has built a world-view based upon relationship and intimacy with Him – a God who is truly good. I remember God speaking “I love you” in the midst of an addiction. This confused me, because I always pictured God as somewhat foreboding or judging, especially when I was doing something wrong. Additionally, shame and fear are often the primary motivations that society uses to try to change people, but they never have lasting effect. It was this unconditional love that ministered to my heart and gave me the freedom to walk away from something I saw I no longer needed. The Bible indicates that if Jesus has set you free then you are truly free – free from the substance, and from the diabolically-empowered addiction that works to keep people bound. A filling of the Holy Spirit and walking in grace and His love allows people to be free to be who they were created to be – to live a life full of meaning and significance.