Drugs: Understanding Their Effects, Dangers, and Biblical Perspective on Substance Use

Drugs have both legitimate medical uses and dangerous recreational applications. Understanding their effects, risks, and the biblical perspective on substance use is crucial for making wise choices that honour God and protect our physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Illicit Drugs and Their Destructive Impact

Illegal drugs (also called recreational drugs, as they are taken for pleasure rather than medical reasons) temporarily take away the conscious control of a person's mind, with serious long-term destructive effects. These substances, classified as depressants, stimulants, or hallucinogens which give a false illusion, although offering short-term escapism, confuse the mind, impair the body, and bring darkness to the heart.

Don't even try!

As with excess alcohol, the individual who is high on drugs is in no position to fulfil the command to "be alert and self-controlled" (1 Thes 5:6; 1 Pet 5:8). It is easy to get addicted to their use yet very difficult to stop, as the body craves another dose resulting in increased dependency, financial bondage, and serious health issues.

For those contemplating going down this pathway, consider what is the typical lifestyle and outcome of those who are into such evils. Don't even be tempted to just have a "taster." Withstand the "I dare you" of peer pressure to experiment. Don't use them to prove to anyone you are part of the "in crowd." Our actions – good or bad – affect a web of relationships. Make wise long-term choices regarding recreational drug use and getting drunk as they reflect a selfish and dangerous lifestyle, with addiction not an escape from pain; it is pain in the worst way, as countless thousands of ex-addicts sadly testify. Satan looks for any avenue to gain the advantage and exploits it (Eph 4:27).

Satan's aim is to bring people into bondage

Many users say they are looking for peace, joy, and the high that such drugs allegedly give, yet this is only a poor counterfeit of what God gives through a relationship with Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are to be dependent on Him, not substances that render us less in control of our faculties and unaware of what is happening around us.

Prescription Medications and Proper Use

Even legalised medicinal prescription drugs often have a detrimental effect on the body and should only be taken sparingly and on sound advice, for a Christian should not come under the control of any medication as these also can be addictive (1 Cor 6:12). As believers, we are to care for our bodies which are a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, having been purchased by the blood of Christ (1 Cor 6:19-20; 2 Cor 1:22).

This means taking preventative care, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting proper exercise. God has given wisdom to researchers and doctors, often using their skills to bring about restoration and health besides His intervening directly in our lives.

Biblical Wisdom and God's Superior Provision

The pursuit of peace, joy, and fulfillment through drugs is ultimately futile, as these substances offer only temporary relief at great cost. In contrast, God offers genuine peace that surpasses understanding, joy that is complete and lasting, and fulfillment that comes from knowing Him and living according to His purposes. The temporary "high" from drugs cannot compare to the abundant life Jesus promised (Jn 10:10), which is characterized by spiritual vitality, purposeful living, and eternal hope.

Reflection and Application:

Recognize that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and make choices that honor God with your physical wellbeing.
Resist peer pressure and societal influences that encourage drug use or substance abuse for recreational purposes.
Seek true peace, joy, and fulfillment in your relationship with Christ rather than through temporary and harmful substances.
Exercise wisdom and self-control in all areas of life, understanding that your choices impact not only yourself but also your relationships and witness to others.