Curbing the Vices of Human Behavior

Curbing
the Vices of Human Behavior

Safe driving is an
important value to help curb unnecessary deaths and injuries.
Alcohol abuse is among the top contributors to unsafe driving, which
leads to often unintended consequences, including accidents that
result from driving under the influence. Despite numerous public
service campaigns and education 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
that cause unsafe driving? 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 and living in a way that is safe for others lies in the
power of the Holy Spirit to free us, not just from making poor
decisions like drinking and driving, but from the behavior itself.
He helps us to make healthy choices for ourselves and world around
us. While I have never been in a serious accident, I have witnessed
countless others through their unsafe driving. Personally, I have
only found behavioral 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 wrong behavior. 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 bad behavior 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
that brings protection and safety to the world around them.