Modern Drug Use, and the Christian (Galatians 5:20, 21)

Modern Drug Use, and the Christian We live in a society that is utterly plagued by drug abuse. Within American society, a society that once sought to criminalize the sale of alcoholic beverages, we now find that alcohol is marketed and advertised most prominently. Alcoholic beverages are in fact, drugs.

“Drug” a substance recognized in an official pharmacopoeia or formulary something and often an illegal substance that causes addiction, habituation or a marked change in consciousness”. https://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/drug

Modern Drug Use, and the Christian What then, may we conclude about “recreational” drug use today? Just as there are Christians who have sought justification to drink modern alcoholic beverages, there are also Christians who seek justification to smoke marijuana, and abuse prescription medications.

“Recreational” Drug Use Christians & illegal drugs (Rom. 13:1-7)? Marijuana is currently being advocated as an acceptable recreational drug. Furthermore, it’s recreational usage has been legalized in some states. The words “recreational use” are employed to promote the usage of the marijuana similarly to the matter of “social drinking” (Cf. 1Pet. 4:3).

“Recreational” Drug Use What’s the harm in smoking/ingesting marijuana? Didn’t God give man every seed producing plant to use to our benefit (Gen. 1:29, 9:3; Lev. 19:19)? God gave earth for man to use... However, this is for man’s proper USE, not for his ABUSE. God gave the grape, but it was not right for Noah to get drunk (Gen. 9:20-24). Paul dealt with those who would use a similar argument to justify fornication (1 Cor. 6:13).

“Recreational” Drug Use Passages addressing “recreational drug use” of any sort, along with marijuana? Their recreational use is a form of drunkenness. Therefore, passages that condemn drunkenness would apply (Prov. 23:29- 35; Gal. 5:21; Rom. 13:13).

“Recreational” Drug Use In Galatians 5:20, notice the word “witchcraft” in the KJV. The word “sorcery” is rendered in the NKJV, ASV, and ESV. Φαρμακεία, pharmakeia 1) the use or the administering of drugs. 2) poisoning. 3) sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it. 4) metaphorically the deceptions and seductions of idolatry. (Thayer)

Take Care of Mind, Body, & Soul In the US alone, more than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs. Source: Foundation for a Drug-Free World 52 million Americans over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non-medically in their lifetime. Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse Nearly 9 out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs— both illicit and prescribed. Source: Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence By survey, almost 50% of teens believe that prescription drugs are much safer than illegal street drugs. Source: Foundation for a Drug-Free World

Take Care of Mind, Body, & Soul 54.2% of prescription drug users get them free from a friend or relative. Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse Medical emergencies resulting from prescription drug abuse increased 132% over the last seven years, with opioid involvement rising 183%. Source: Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence The 2015 prescription drug abuse statistics above show that the use of prescription medications for non-medical reasons is growing in America – and the effects are evident.” https://talbottcampus.com/2015-prescription- drug-abuse-statistics/

Take Care of Mind, Body, & Soul God wills for us to keep our minds alert & clear (1 Thess. 5:6; 1 Pet. 4:7). God wills for us to take good of care of our bodies (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20). Allowing our senses to be dulled invites opportunity for the devil to take advantage of our weaknesses (1 Pet. 5:8). Even with pain-management prescriptions, use caution.

Concluding Thoughts Often, a question regarding whether something is right can easily be answered by asking "Would Jesus do it?”. What should our attitude be? Do we will, to do His will? (John 7:17; 1 Sam. 3:9). When this attitude wins over, there will be no trouble determining whether it is right to use marijuana recreationally, or misuse other drugs.