Under the Influence of PCP
By
Randy Emon
www.IronGuys.org

“3-Paul-2, 3-Paul-3, 3-Paul-4, and 3-Sam-2, we have several reports of a naked man running in the street near Athol and Frazier, one R/P thinks the male is under the influence.”

Since the late 70’s when PCP first came onto the scene, I’ve responded to more of those types of calls due to its increased usage when (at that time) it was one of the drugs of choice.  Whenever we’d arrest someone under the influence of PCP, it was almost a certainty you would have to fight the suspect to take him/her into custody.  I personally have been involved in so many fights with those under the influence of PCP that I’ve lost count. As a matter of fact, on August 31, 1983, West Covina Police Officer Ken Wrede was killed by a man under the influence of PCP who ripped his shotgun out of his unit and shot him with it.¹

One of the telltale symptoms that a person was under the influence of PCP was when they’d remove their clothing.  It turned out the drug caused their body temperature to increase thereby causing them to fully disrobe to cool down.  Several years later, experts told law enforcement officers one of the best methods to take a person into custody who had ingested/smoked PCP was to approach them very slowly and not make any quick moves.  I discovered it worked most of the time!  When I’d handcuff someone under the influence of PCP, I would have to slowly and firmly guide their hands behind their backs and most of the time, I would be able to successfully handcuff them.  One additional fact the experts told us to prevent them from being violent was to dim the lights as much as possible.  It seems a darkened environment would keep them in a calmer state.

Although the above suspect voluntarily removed his clothes and became naked, when we entered this world for the first time we were also naked, involuntarily that is.²  But when someone permanently departs from this world, did you know they have a voluntary choice how they’d like to be clothed?  No, I’m not talking about how they’d like to be dressed in their casket when buried but how they would like their soul to be attired for all eternity.³

In looking back on the fact that darkness could calm a person under the influence of PCP, but light would agitate them, doesn’t that seem strange to you?  Does that remind you of your B.C.⁴ days (if you’re a Christian) when the pleasurable and lustful things of the world⁵ were fun?

Anyone who has been living in darkness and then drawn into the Light of the World⁶ knows the state of agitation, discomfort and internal turmoil when exposed to Light⁷ for the first time.

Although I spent 12 years in Catholic school, I was never truly exposed to the gospel until I went on a hunting trip with a Christian co-worker.  As he casually told me about his faith in Christ, I can recall becoming agitated like the PCP user because darkness in my heart was being exposed to LIGHT.

Just as a PCP user would become less agitated in a dark environment, have you ever felt just as uncomfortable when you happen to overhear a TV or radio preacher talking about how much Jesus Christ loves you?  Or perhaps you’ve cringed when you inadvertently overheard a friend or co-worker talking about Jesus?

Are you cringing right now? Good!  Why?  Because it means your heart is being prodded by the Lord because HE is constantly trying to draw you to HIM.⁸  Did you know God has a detoxification remedy for those under the influence of PCP—spiritually speaking?  If you’ve been comfortably living in (spiritual) darkness, did you know that you’ve been duped by the enemy of your soul?⁹   Is there a remedy to avoid a darkness-filled life?  Glad you asked! Jesus said, “…if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”¹⁰

Yes, spiritual PCP will certainly bring temporary pleasure¹¹--but the Living God can and will satisfy your soul.  So before you depart this world, be sure to choose LIFE¹² wisely.

Which intoxicant below will you select?

Pleasing		Pursuing
Carnal	OR	Christ
Pleasures		Passionately

Choose Wisely—eternity depends on it!