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Drug Use - Right or Wrong?
Do you have any studies on drug use that is illegal? So many teens are using drugs, some say they are herbs and that it is alright. I think this is more than one question, but I have tried to find something to help them understand it is wrong. Thanks
Thanks for writing. I am sure that you are speaking of the so-called "recreational" drug use, and not medicinal drugs. These are drugs that are used because of the mental experience or emotional feelings they provide. Any herb that is used for the same reason is just another drug. There is no distinction. Most drugs are made from naturally occurring substances. Being closer to nature does not make them less of a drug. Here are some reasons that drug abuse goes against the teachings of the Bible.
- In most cases (there are beginning to be exceptions), it is illegal. 1Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
See All... tells us, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake." We are to obey the laws of the land unless obedience to those laws bring us into disobedience to God. Since God never commands us to abuse drugs, we are to obey the law and avoid it. - It is harmful to our health. Though this is disputed in some cases, we really do not know that the "safe" drugs will turn out safe in the long run. What we do know is that many drugs are harmful to health and the others may be. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 [19] 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?
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
See All... states, "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." Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost if we are saved. We should not harm it for our own pleasure. - Drug abuse is addictive. Even drugs that claim to be non-addictive are very difficult to quit after begun. But many drugs are highly addictive and create an unbelievably strong addiction. Paul said in 1Corinthians 6:12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
See All..., "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." What he is teaching is that though there are things that do not have a direct command against them in the Bible, they can still be wrong for other reasons. One of those reasons is that certain practices bring us under their power. In other words, they become addictive. We are not to allow ourselves to become addicted to the things of this world. - Drug abuse surrenders control of our mind. We are commanded to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
See All...). Paul tells us think those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8
See All...). As we think in our hearts, so are we (Proverbs 23:7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
See All...). We cannot obey these commands and others if we surrender our thoughts and emotions to a self-imposed chemical substance. - Drug abuse is selfish. It is given to having an experience solely for our personal pleasure. Proverbs 21:17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
See All... says, "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." Note that "wine" was often the substance abuse of Bible times. Paul warns of a time when men will be "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God" (2Timothy 3:4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
See All...). Anyone who takes a drug simply to have an experience without care or concern for the consequences to others is a selfish pig. - Drug abuse does not bring glory to God. We are told in 1Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
See All..., "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Taking pleasure drugs cannot be done to the glory of God. - Drug abuse destroys our testimony for Christ. We are to be a light to the world so that they can see our good works (Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
See All...). Drug abuse will destroy a person's testimony.
I need to make a final comment. Many of the above arguments are based on the person being a Christian. If someone is lost, they first need to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Then, they need to give their life to God. If they do these things, they may then need help in following the path of a believer but the Lord will be with them all the way.
Proverbs 28:10
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.