1.Recognition of Impacts of Drug Abuse
The Bible speaks to the effects of drug abuse and warns about the consequences of drug use. From Proverbs 22:3, it states: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This warns of future events or decisions that have yet to happen- in this case, drug use. This highlights that decisions have consequences, and drug use is no exception. In the New Testament, Paul writes in Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” This verse shows us that we should not rely on taking our own revenge as we must trust in God’s will here. Despite this warning, drug use remains a key factor in the downfall of many individuals and even communities.
2.The Power of Addiction
Addiction is one of the most powerful forces people face. According to Proverbs 23:29- “Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It’s those who linger long at the wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” This verse is a strong warning of the dangers of drug use as they can lead to these unfortunate consequences. With its widespread availability and undue temptation, it has caused the potential of taking accession very real. According to the Bible, this can be combatted using personal discipline, with Proverbs 25:28 suggesting to “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” For many, this is difficult to abide by and it is easy to forget in times of struggle.
3.Stay Away from Drugs
The bible makes it clear through a range of verses that drugs should be avoided. Proverbs 20:1 reads “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Here, it is clear that drugs can cause irrational behaviors and insight a false sense of security. In 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 10:31, it states “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” and “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God if you can.” We can interpret this to mean that enjoying intoxicating substances with the intent of leaving the presence of God is not acceptable.
4.The Perils of Binge Drinking
All this counsels against the perils of binge drinking and its potentially damaging effects, both on individuals and wider communities. This is true not only in bible teachings but, as we can see in Ephesians 5:18, there are very practical considerations. It reads, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” From this point, we can see that relying on substances for false pleasure can be counter-productive and injurious. We can instead seek more suitable and wholesome methods for joy and contentment, such as those seen in Galatians 5:22-23 which speaks of how, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
5.Condemnation and Punishment
The bible also speaks to the potential punishment of drug and alcohol abuse. In Genesis 9:20-21, God says to Noah, “Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.” Here, we can see that Noah was subject to specifically harsh punishment for the consequences of his own actions. We can also look to Romans 7:5 which reads “For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.” What we learn from this is how a reliance on certain sins can lead us to a path of destruction.
6.The Choice Is Ours
The Bible makes it clear that the individual’s responsibility lies within the decision to take drugs or not. In Ephesians 5:17 the author writes “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Our free will must be used in a responsible manner, with Joshua 23:11 reading “So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” This suggests that we must show our love by making wise decisions. Ultimately, the Bible makes it clear as to the consequences of not making wise decisions, as we see in Proverbs 5:22 “His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin”.
What we can conclude from these passages is that through personal discipline and a proper appreciation of God we can avoid the clutches of drug use.
7.Spiritual Guidance
The Bible can provide spiritual guidance and direction to this contentious issue. Galatians 5:24 reads “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires”. This passage shows us that by adhering to our God-given spiritual qualifications we can find freedom from the temptations of drugs. Furthermore, John 8:34 speaks of ones “slavery” if they rely on vices over the path of righteousness. Whatever we can conclude here is that trusting in this guidance can lead to a more meaningful, stable and ultimately rewarding life.
8.Other Considerations
The Bible also speaks of wider related issues to illegal drug use such as the consideration of those affected. In Isaiah 1:17, God speaks on our treatment of others, saying “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” From this verse, we can draw a comparison to modern drug abuse being a consequence of injustices in society over a lack of opportunity. This is why it is important to have an understanding and compassion towards those who may feel tempted to take part in illegal activities to satisfy their own desires.
9.The Are Alternatives
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it is written “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This brings new understandings, as we can use our minds and have influence over our emotions and what we persuade ourselves to do. For example, an individual in the grip of an addiction can look at alternative activities should the temptations of drug use arise.
10.Prosperity and Redemption
At the heart of the subject lies our own will and agency over our decisions. We can refer back to Deuteronomy 30:19, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” With this in mind, these ultimately emerge as choices between a life of prosperity and redemption or one embroiled in the constant struggle against addicts. While drug use can seem pleasant in the present, this must be considered against longer-term outcomes- something the Bible recognizes.
