Drugs: A deadly device of the devil #2

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What is the solution to the problem of drugs, including tobacco and alcohol? First of all, we must stop dealing with the symptoms and begin dealing with the problem – sin! Drug abuse, including tobacco and alcohol, is condemned by God.

While the Bible nowhere specifically mentions by name marijuana, heroin, or crack cocaine, it condemns them in no uncertain terms! I Thessalonians 5:22 says that we are to “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” No one will argue that the use of all drugs is surrounded by all kinds of evil, including crime, immorality, stealing, cheating, murder, etc.

Paul wrote, “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” (I Corinthians 6:19-20). The way that we treat our bodies determines whether God is glorified or dishonored. No honest person can argue that drugs, including alcohol, do not harm the physical body.

II Corinthians 7:1 reads, “. . . let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” We must abstain from anything that makes filthy or pollutes or corrupts the body. Therefore, we must abstain from all forms of drugs and alcohol!

Peter stated, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” (I Peter 2:11). In the words of Paul, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Regarding alcohol, one of the most abused drugs, the Bible says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). Through Solomon, God pictures the unhappy condition of one intoxicated. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again” (Proverbs 23:29-35). This describes not only the effects of alcohol, but also of drugs. Under the influence of alcohol and other drugs YOU are not in control!

We should not be disillusioned into thinking that all of our problems and unhappiness can be corrected in a day. Neither should we look to the world for remedies or proposed solutions to our problems. Instead we need to conform our lives to the principals of Christianity which are set forth in the Bible. The God of heaven is a loving God who desires the best for us. The apostle Paul wrote, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8; John 3:16). In order for God to help us, we must turn to Him in obedience.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” The only road to true happiness, contentment and peace comes from learning about Jesus Christ and serving Him!

Professional help and treatment are available. If you need help or know someone who does, please call: 931-722-3644.

If you are presently using drugs or alcohol, seek professional help immediately. If you do not use drugs or alcohol, avoid contact with those who do. Parents, talk with your children and keep the lines of communication open with them. Spend time with your children and know who their friends are. Young people, if you are in trouble, seek help from your parents, relatives, or your preacher.