No sort of drug abuse is specifically addressed in the Bible. Psychedelics like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and meth are not explicitly forbidden in the Bible.
Nothing is referenced about weed, hemp, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, or LSD.
There is no mention of other dosage forms, including huffing, snorting, smoking, shooting, or swallowing.
However, this does not justify drug usage for fun.
However, many unambiguous teachings in the Bible make drug usage unacceptable.
The Bible makes it quite plain that engaging in addictive behaviors is a rebellion against God.
Substance addiction and excessive drinking are often cited as sins due to their damage to both the physical and spiritual selves.
Nevertheless, as a Christian in today’s climate, how can you make sense of drug abuse?
Substances Are Detrimental To The Mind and Spirit
Accessing the Kingdom of God is hard if you’re an addict. You are not following in His footsteps. You’re hurting not only yourself but everyone around you as well.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
A possible example of a temptation mentioned in the text is substance misuse. Some Scriptures, however, are more explicit.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18)
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
The Bible’s verse-by-verse interpretations may be obscure, but the book’s overarching message typically shines through.
Biblical allusions to drug usage, drunkenness, and addiction need serious consideration.
We may draw diverse meanings from them, but one common thread is that God does not approve of psychedelics that change one’s perceptions or consciousness.
You or the one you care about is sinning against God if you indulge in substance abuse.
Excesses and vices cause damage to the body, the intellect, and the spirit, as is often stated in the Bible.
Nowadays, we recognize this to be accurate on all levels.
The effects of substance addiction on hormonal and neurotransmitter synthesis and absorption are well documented in medical science.
Addiction alters a person’s chemistry in ways that make it harder to feel satisfaction in the company of loved ones, less interested in exploring the world, and more preoccupied with getting high and staying high.
Being addicted causes greater problems in one’s life and the lives of others around them.
Drug and alcohol misuse are serious problems, but they are not an excuse to shun a family member.
This is not a Christian thing to do, even though current societal stigma might make it appear normal.
Love, attention, and care are essential to a person’s recovery.
They lose even more incentive to reform and are further driven to avoid the path of virtue if ostracized.
You must support loved ones when they need you most.
Still, you should never throw yourself into compromising situations and always set boundaries to preserve your security, mental well-being, and future.
The Bible Is Against Harm To Your Body
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
One can claim that the long-term health repercussions of a single episode of alcohol or drug abuse are small.
Still, the implications of the Scriptures that caution against damaging the body are unmistakable: we must prevent practicing anything that may harm our bodies.
The passage above encourages us to choose healthful options.
Those who drink or use substances to excess do physical injury to themselves. Whether the addiction is a sin is murky since most specialists agree that addicts can’t just decide to quit; they need help.
The Bible often addresses the topics of intoxication, sobriety, and making sound choices in one’s life.
Although many may debate the verse-by-verse meanings, the overarching message is clear: God does not approve of our misusing alcohol or other psychedelics because they cloud our judgment.
We can’t get closer to God if we can’t think straight.
To be with God should be our priority, and nothing else should come before him since this is the obvious teaching of the Bible.
Respecting The Law of the Land
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)
Christians everywhere are obligated to uphold and defend the constitutional order.
However, disobedience is acceptable when a law directly contradicts a divine command.
This regulation does not have any further exemptions.
But, contrary to common opinion, disapproval of a law does not give one pretext to disobey it.
A lot of people say that marijuana shouldn’t be illegal.
For them, the absurdity of criminalizing marijuana use while permitting the use of alcohol and cigarettes is reason enough to justify breaking the law and lighting up.
People who disagree may feel strongly about the issue but are wrong.
No amount of sincere contempt for the law justifies disregarding it, as our Jesus made very plain.
God expects us to refrain from marijuana following “unfair” regulations because we are to submit to authority and be patient in the face of unjust hardship and seeming injustice.
For the Gospel, born-again Christians must not only submit to authority for its own sake but also conduct themselves above reproach. Illegal behavior is, needless to say, profoundly unacceptable.
A Christian’s Responsibility To Help Others
According to the Bible, substance misuse is a sin against oneself and God, yet it is not irreversible.
Redemption and the chance to make things better are always available.
Jesus uses the story of the lost sheep to demonstrate that even people who have wandered from God’s path may still enter His Kingdom. He makes his point using the parable of the Shepherd (God) and his one lost sheep. The shepherd leaves the other 99 sheep to look everywhere for the one that got away. (Luke 15:1-7)
Substance addiction is terrible, but so is ignoring someone who needs treatment because they are addicted.
One’s duty is to save those in need, whether one is the addict themselves or a member of the addict’s family.
It goes for you, your loved ones, and the people in your life.
Even if you can’t force someone to reform, you can be there for them whenever they need you and regularly shower them with compassion, concern, and devotion.
Anybody struggling to find the drive to begin rehabilitation will benefit from these in the long run.
Addiction to psychedelics or alcohol is a complex problem from any angle.
They serve as a lesson for Christians that life isn’t always smooth sailing, that we all succumb to sin at some point, and that there are moments when we require a lot of assistance getting back on our feet.
As a Christian, you must do everything you can to help yourself, and others rediscover God, return to his Just Way, and flourish in his Grace.
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