Red Ribbon Week Sermon Starter
or Children's Church Story
No temptation has overtaken you expect such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Use the following story to illustrate how drugs can destroy lives. Many young people know about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, but they are tempted by friends, advertising, wanting "to fit in". They pick up the drug, thinking they will never become addicted.
The Snake's Bite
Many years ago, Indian youths would go away in solitude to prepare for manhood. One such youth hiked into a beautiful valley, green with trees, bright with flowers. There he fasted. But, on the third day, as he looked up at the surrounding mountains, he noticed one tall rugged peak, capped with dazzling snow.
I will test myself against that mountain, he thought. When he reached the top he heard a rustle at his feet, and looking down, he saw a snake. Before he could move, the snake spoke. "I am about to die," said the snake. "It is too cold for me up here and I am freezing. There is no food and I am starving. Put me under your shirt and take me down to the valley."
"No," said the youth. "I am forewarned. I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you will bite, and your bite will kill me." "Not so," said the snake. "I will treat you differently. If you do this for me, you will be special. I will not harm you."
The youth resisted awhile, but this was a very persuasive snake with beautiful markings. At last the youth tucked it under his shirt and carried it down the valley. There he laid it gently on the grass, when suddenly the snake coiled, rattled and leapt, biting him on the leg. "But you promised," cried the youth. "you knew what I was when you picked me up," said the snake as it slithered away.
Source: IDEA - 2004 Red Ribbon Booklet