Mind Destroyers: Alcohol and Drugs
Timothy M. Cedarland
Table of Contents
Mind Destroyers: Alcohol and Drugs
The desire to experiment with alcohol and drugs is one of the biggest temptations facing young people today. Even Christian young people who want to live for the Lord have found themselves compromising their convictions and giving in to pressure from the world in this area. Two young people with whom I grew up, who came from good Christian homes, caved in to peer pressure in their teen years and began to experiment with alcohol and drugs. Their desire for excitement and acceptance by the crowd led them deeper and deeper into alcohol and drug abuse until their lives were eventually ruined.
Our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour; we are to resist him, standing firm in faith (see 1 Peter 5:8,9). As the time of the Lord’s coming draws nearer, we are seeing a marked increase of young people turning to alcohol and drugs. Some are trying to escape their problems, while others are doing it just for pleasure. However, we are urged not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This means it is important for us to see things from God’s perspective and not our own.
In Bible times alcohol was used for medical purposes and helped reduce a dying person’s pain (Proverbs 31:6,7). In 1 Timothy 5:23 we see that God permits the use of wine where the water is bad and causes stomach disorders. However, the problem is that people can abuse this God-given mercy and overindulge to the point of drunkenness, and even become alcoholics. God solemnly warns believers against overindulgence (Romans 13:13). He also tells us that no drunkard will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10).
In Proverbs 20:1 we read, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” When a person drinks too much it affects his ability to make proper decisions. Many young people have done things under the influence of alcohol that they have regretted the rest of their lives (Proverbs 31:4,5; 23:29-35; Hosea 4:10-12).
The only way a person can be sure that he will not become an alcoholic is by staying away from alcohol completely. This is also the best way to avoid stumbling someone else. If a weak Christian sees you take a drink, he may conclude that it is all right for him to drink as well. Yet, he may end up an alcoholic and you would be responsible because you stumbled him by your example. What you may allow in moderation, someone else might take up in excess. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Romans 14:21. To be responsible for leading another into drunkenness is as bad as being a drunkard yourself.
When Paul lists the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19,20, he includes the word “witchcraft” (KJV) or “sorcery” (JND). In the original language of the New Testament, the word is “pharmakia,” meaning the use of drugs, potions, spells or enchantments. Drugs are used in the magical arts, which are a part of the world of demonism. Today mind-expanding drugs can actually cause the user to open his mind to demon influence and oppression.
Although I don’t believe the Bible teaches that Christians can become demon-possessed, it is possible for them to become demon- oppressed and even suicidal. The goal of a demon is always to destroy. See Mark 9:22. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.
There are other reasons why a believer should stay away from drugs. Besides being illegal, most drugs are addictive and the Christian should never allow himself to be enslaved to anything. (See Romans 6:16-23). Drugs also have a harmful effect on our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be used for His glory.
God has given us something far better than what an unbeliever stoops to in his futile attempts to find fulfillment. Nothing can match the love of God in Christ, “for Thy love is better than wine.” Song of Solomon 1:2. And, as Christians, we should dare to be different from the world around us. Proverbs 1:10 says, “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” When the world sees a Christian who uses alcohol and drugs, they conclude that Christianity has nothing to offer; when they see a Christian who refuses to compromise in this way, they respect that person and it is a testimony to them of the reality of Christ and His life in the believer.
If we really want to live for the Lord and be used of Him, alcohol and drug abuse are two pitfalls we must avoid. 2 Timothy 2:21 tells us that God wants us to be vessels unto honor, set apart, and fit for the Master’s use, and prepared for every good work. Let’s not be dirty vessels, but clean ones!