As a priest, I often get inquired about whether Biblical teachings directly address issues such as illicit drug use. I must confess that the Bible does not directly refer to any form of illicit drug usage, including cocaine, heroin, ecstasy (MDMA), methamphetamines (Meth), marijuana, or cannabis. The Bible lacks explicit prohibitions against snorting, smoking, dropping, vaping, shooting, licking, or any other method of ingestion. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to interpret this silence as an endorsement of recreational drug use; instead, the Bible presents several clear principles that categorize drug usage as unacceptable behavior.
Firstly, Christians are called upon to respect and obey laws of the land (Ecclesiastes 8:2-5, Matthew 22:21). The only circumstances under which we are allowed to ignore these laws are when they directly contradict divine commands (Daniel 3 and 6; Acts 5:29). Thus, arguing against laws based on personal opinions – for instance, rejecting the prohibition of marijuana while alcohol and tobacco are legal – doesn’t justify breaking those laws. Christ Himself exemplified this by expecting his disciples to submit to the Pharisees’ severe dictations while criticizing their excessive interpretations of Moses’ laws (Matthew 23:1-36).
Moreover, we are to live above reproach for the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 10:32; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 6:3; Titus 2:1-8; 2 Peter 3:14). Committing unlawful acts, such as drug use, tarnishes our credibility and undermines the values we are proclaiming.
Furthermore, as Christians, we are entrusted with the responsibility to take care of our bodies and mind, reflecting good stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30). Illicit drugs are potent instruments of destruction that lead to both physical and mental health issues. They contribute to heart diseases, strokes, permanent kidney damage, among many other health problems – all of which go against our responsibility to maintain our bodies’ wellness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Peter 1:17-19).
Besides, drugs distort our perception and hinder our ability to think clearly, making us susceptible to deception. The scripture repeatedly reminds us to remain sober-minded and alert to the schemes of the Devil (1 Corinthians 15:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8). Our commitment to God is incompatible with substance abuse and psychological dependency that many drugs induce.
The Bible’s final perspective on this matter lies in the advice given in Titus 2:12, encouraging us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world by rejecting ungodliness and worldly lusts. So irrespective of whether the Bible speaks directly of illicit drugs, the teachings it contains unambiguously discourage drug usage and addiction.
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