Drug Abuse
Although the Scriptures do not speak of modern controlled substances by name, their use and abuse is warned of indirectly. Early in the book of Acts we read: "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one... And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries" Acts 8:9,11
The Greek word translated "sorcery" is PHARMAKEUS, which is defined as pertaining to drug making and use, particularly as relates to mind-altering psychotropics, which distort reality and perceptions, thereby allowing the sorcerer control of his subjects. Pharmakeus is the word from which our modern term "pharmacy" is derived. The Bible strongly condemns this abuse of drugs: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore-mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" Revelation 21:8.
Our bodies belong to God, they are not ours to do with as we please. He will hold us accountable for what we have done to them and with them. He desires us to be fit and healthy so that we may do His will and serve our fellow man to the best of our ability: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defiles the temple of God, him God shall destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
We are called to control our actions, emotions and appetites by an act of our will, with God's help.
The Bible teaches that self control is a fruit of the Spirit. The Christian is to be governed by God, not self: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23. "Self-control." We choose to obey, and God will supply His power through His indwelling Holy Spirit to give us the strength to do what we should when we are too weak in ourselves to overcome temptation. "...'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty" Zechariah 4:6.
The desire to cater to the lustful desires of our flesh, whether to thrill and exhilarate, or to numb and anesthetize us (as an escape from responsibilities), is something we are to avoid with all diligence: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not make provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" Romans 13:14.
God wants all of us to be at our best ability in all circumstances, so that we might be of help to those in need, and we might give Him our best devotion and service. This is only possible when we are clear-minded and focused on Him and His Word.
For Further Study, See:
Revelation 9:21, 18:23, 22:15; 1 Corinthians 6:15, 9:25,27; Titus 2:12; 2 Peter 1:5; Mark 4:19; Ephesians 4:22-23;
2 Timothy 2:22; James 1:14-15
Believe, Admit, Repent, Receive JESUS CHRIST!
Hebrews 11:6 Romans 10:9 Acts 3:19 John 1:12
Don't Die Guilty!