by Dr. George Kalaras
When there is no hope in a person’s life they feel as if they have no future, that their hearts have been broken and their minds have been put on pause. Sometimes society plays a role in perpetuating this feeling of hopelessness. People living a life of drug addiction can feel as if they are stuck in this vicious cycle for the rest of their lives, which in many cases they overdose. The Bible says in Colossians 2:8 not to fall prey to “manmade” philosophies, but with a lot of discipline and sacrifice through the strength of Jesus Christ there is hope.
The Apostle Paul writes, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2. A person’s mindset is where the change begins, so a drug addict goes to a program for change. The program’s job is to instill hope through the Word of God.
Romans 5.2-5 talks about the hope that all have in Jesus even through trials. Because Jesus Christ Himself is our true hope (1 Timothy 1:1) an intimate relationship with Him is essential for this hope of a better tomorrow. A mindset of biblical hope is essential in helping men and women with life controlling issues. With this servant attitude one can see how Jesus had no tolerance for sin and yet had concern for the “tax collector and sinner.”
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus forgiving sins, but we never see Him disregard or support the sinful choices and lifestyles that put a sinner in a place that requires repentance. Christ offers salvation freely to all who repent and follow Him.
When leaders love people, they invest in them. They see their potential, and take delight in helping them to discover and exercise their gifts. They notice their skills and interests, their
strengths and weaknesses. These leaders nurture them like a shepherd caring tenderly for a young lamb.