What About Drugs?
The topic of drugs is a relevant one, particularly where young people are concerned.
By Christian Huemer, Austria
God has interesting tasks and assignments in mind for each one of us. We are to be instruments of righteousness and work with the talents and abilities that God has given to all of us in our work for God’s kingdom. (Rom. 6:13).
Unfortunately, many young people start down the wrong path because they are simply bored or because they get mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Alcohol
Where alcohol is concerned, we must follow certain guidelines to prevent ourselves from heading down a destructive path. There is a wholesome culture surrounding alcohol, but the Scriptures advise us against excessive use. Even in the old covenant, Isaiah utters a strong “woe” against people who drink wine excessively. (Is. 5:22). Paul also exhorts the Ephesians not to get drunk or fill themselves with wine in which is dissipation. (Eph. 5:18). Alcohol weakens your inhibitions so that you say and do things you would not have done under normal circumstances—things that you will later come to regret.
Alcohol has caused many families much pain and suffering.
Nicotine and Drugs
Nicotine is considered a gateway drug. Nearly everyone who smokes marijuana or uses other drugs starts out by smoking cigarettes. Smoking is not only an expensive habit, but it is bad for your health and causes physical and psychological addiction.
Other drugs destroy the body and create a harmful escape from reality into an illusionary world.
Stay away from bad habits like these, so that they don’t destroy you! You never know how things will end…
The Mind of Jesus
Our calling is to live and work in the “real world” regardless of age or circumstances.
Our body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). God will destroy anyone who destroys His temple. (1 Cor. 3:17). Our bodies should be presented to Jesus with this mindset: “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” Heb. 10:5-9. We haven’t been given a body so that we can serve sin, but so that we can be active in doing the good.
Live a full life and seek fellowship with godly people. Then your body will be used to do the good and your growth and development in life will be positive.
When we have the same mind that Jesus had, we head toward a glorious future that will last for all eternity.
November 2008