Drugs And Sin: A Complex Moral Dilemma

The Bible does not directly address illicit drug use or the usage or prohibition of specific drugs. However, it does offer principles that relate to drug use, such as the instruction to obey the laws of the land. The Bible also warns of the dangers of intoxication and the importance of glorifying God with one's body, which could be interpreted to mean that God doesn't want us to be led astray by mind-altering substances. While the Bible doesn't explicitly state that drug use is a sin, it provides guidelines that suggest that drug use is unacceptable behaviour.

The Bible doesn't directly address drug use but it does offer principles relating to it

The Bible does not directly address drug use, and there are no express prohibitions against specific drugs. However, it does offer principles that relate to the use of drugs and alcohol.

Firstly, the Bible teaches that Christians should obey the laws of the land. For example, in Romans 13:1, it says, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." This would include obeying laws related to drug use.

Secondly, the Bible emphasizes the importance of glorifying God with our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." Drug use can harm the body and the mind and can lead to self-harm and even death. Therefore, using drugs would not glorify God.

Thirdly, the Bible warns against the dangers of intoxication, which can be interpreted as the abuse of any substance. For example, 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Being intoxicated can cloud our judgment, making us more susceptible to sin and destructive behavior.

Additionally, the Bible speaks about the importance of making wise choices and avoiding temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 states, "'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up." Drug use can lead to psychological addiction and enslave the mind, making it difficult to quit.

Finally, the Bible teaches that Christians should live above reproach and set an example for others. Illicit drug use can bring offense to believers and non-believers alike and impact not only the user but also their families and communities.

While the Bible does not directly mention drug use, these principles provide guidance on the topic, emphasizing the importance of obedience, glorifying God with our bodies, avoiding intoxication, making wise choices, and setting an example for others.

Christians are called to obey the laws of the land

The Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use. However, there are several biblical principles that place drug use outside the realm of acceptable behavior. One of the primary principles is that Christians are called to obey the laws of the land.

Romans 13:1-7 states:

> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This passage makes it clear that Christians are to obey the government that God has placed over them. God created governments to establish order, punish evil, and promote justice. Therefore, Christians are to obey the government by paying taxes, obeying rules and laws, and showing respect. By not doing so, they are ultimately showing disrespect towards God.

However, it is important to note that this obedience to earthly authorities is not absolute. As stated in Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than men." This means that when the laws of the land contradict the laws of God, Christians are expected to disobey earthly rulers and obey God's laws. For example, in some cities during the time of the early Church, Christians had to offer a small sacrifice to a pagan deity in order to do business in the public markets. For Christians, such an act was idolatry, and they refused to do it even though it put them at odds with the law.

In summary, Christians are called to obey the laws of the land as long as those laws do not contradict the laws of God. When there is a conflict between earthly laws and God's laws, Christians are to obey God rather than men, even if it means accepting punishment for their disobedience.

Christians are to glorify God with their bodies

The Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use. However, there are several biblical principles that place drug use outside the realm of acceptable behaviour.

Firstly, Christians are expected to respect and obey the laws of the land. Therefore, drug use is unacceptable unless the laws of the land permit it.

Secondly, Christians are required to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them, including their earthly bodies. Drug use is an effective way to destroy one's health, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Thirdly, our bodies are not our own. We "have been bought with a price" and are "temples of the Holy Spirit". Therefore, we should not harm our bodies, and instead, honour God with them.

Finally, sobriety is important for prayer and obedience to God. Drug addiction, whether physical or psychological, is enslavement of the mind, and no one can serve two masters.

In conclusion, while the Bible does not directly address illicit drug use, Christians are expected to glorify God with their bodies by obeying the laws of the land, being good stewards of their health, honouring their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and maintaining sobriety for prayer and obedience to God.

Drug use can damage your soul as well as your body

The Bible does not directly address the use of illegal drugs, but it does offer many principles that relate to drug use. While the Bible does not explicitly mention drugs, it does mention drunkenness and the dangers of intoxication, which can be interpreted as the abuse of any substance.

The Bible also has a lot to say about the human body being a temple, and the importance of honouring God with our bodies. This can be interpreted as a warning against drug use, as drugs harm the body and the mind.

Honouring God with Our Bodies

The Bible teaches that Christians are to obey the laws of the land. This would include avoiding illegal drug use. In addition, the Bible states that Christians are to glorify God with their bodies and not to do anything that would dishonour God. Drug use, which can lead to self-harm and even death, would certainly fall into this category.

The Body as a Temple

The Bible is clear that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We are told that we do not own ourselves, but that we belong to God. He takes a dim view of anything that destroys His habitation, even if it is done in the name of pleasure. This includes drug use, which can damage the body and the mind.

The Impact of Drug Use on the Soul

Drug use can also damage the soul. When a person sins, they disrupt their companionship with God and begin to slide away from Him. Drug users may find that the only way to relieve their guilt is to turn their backs on God. They may go through a reasoning process that concludes that God must not exist or that He must hate them because they are doing something He forbids. This can lead to a hardening of the heart or what the Bible calls being given over to "a depraved mind" (Romans 1:28).

In summary, while the Bible does not directly address drug use, it does provide principles that strongly suggest that drug use is sinful and damaging to both the body and the soul.

God wants our thought life under his control

The Bible says that God's thinking is different from ours and that his ways are higher and better than ours. We can take a pause and refocus on what really matters when we feel anxious or afraid. We can trust that God has a plan and that he will not forsake us.

To take control of our thoughts, we must be aware of God's word so that we can recognize sinful thoughts and know how to respond. We should also live in dependence on the Holy Spirit and avoid things that will promote sinful thoughts. Instead, we should pursue God and replace sinful thoughts with godly pursuits and mindsets.

Fellowship with other Christians can help us stay accountable and encourage us to make changes. Ultimately, we must place our faith in Christ and seek to honour him with our thoughts and actions.

Frequently asked questions