What does Christianity have to offer?
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10 v 10)
These words of Jesus sum up what Christianity has to offer the world of recreational drug use with all its attendant problems.
But drug use, like life, is complex.
Today there is a need for:-
• Increased understanding
• Effective prevention
• Clarity of personal example
• Help for those in trouble
• ACTION by the ‘Church’
What is ‘substance misuse’?
Most people understand it as an activity which results in harm from the use of drugs. ‘Substances’ include illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin and cocaine as well as legally available drugs such as alcohol and nicotine.
‘Misuse’ implies that (safe) ‘use’ might be possible. In reality, all ‘use’ is an exercise in risk-taking with many different factors determining the degree of risk. For example, to drink a glass of wine and drive is a greater risk than staying at home after drinking.
Substance ‘use’ in this context refers to recreational consumption (ie non-medical). It ranges from experimentation to regular use and may progress to dependency and even death. Most people do not become dependent, although many do suffer harm related to their own substance use or that of others.
Where do we start?
The Bible is an obvious place to start when looking for guidance. So is the response of Christians through the ages and the way in which the Holy Spirit inspires people today.
Jesus taught that we should love other people as ourselves (Mark 12:30).
• He showed us that we need to care for people
• He gave us the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:27).
• Jesus healed people such as the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20), Jairus’ daughter and a sick woman (both in Mark 5:21-42).
• He fed people (Mark 6:30-44).
• He taught us to care for each other by giving to the needy (Matthew 6:3).
• He cared for young children (Mark 10:13-16).
• He felt compassion (Matthew 1:41; 9:36)
Jesus dealt with people holistically – body, mind and spirit. Substance use affects the whole being of an individual and will also touch those around them.
Each individual is a unique person – and as such, will respond to different interventions in different ways. It is essential to provide support that is relevant to the individual concerned.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure and there is much biblical precedent to commend it.
Biblical Basis for Effective Prevention
| Be well informed | Accurate knowledge dispels myths and misinformation. 1 Peter 1:13; Luke 1:3; Deuteronomy 19:18; Daniel 1:4 |
| Communicate effectively | Start from where the audience is and speak in terms that are familiar to them. Proverbs 12:15; Matthew 18:15-16; Acts 17; James 1:19-26 |
| Promote positive examples | The example of others (parents and other adults) is a key factor as is the influence of peer groups. Micah 6:8; John 13:15; Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:16; 4:12 |
| Personal fitness | Keeping fit and healthy is important. Proverbs 3:1-10; Daniel 1; Romans 12:1-2 |
What does the Bible say about using drugs?
There are many references to drink in the Bible but none to other drugs.
Generally, the Bible teaches that Christians should obey the law although, as legal codes differ from country to country, this cannot provide an absolute answer.
Two general principles can be identified which will help us judge whether we should use or condone the use of drugs: caring for ourselves and caring for others.
Caring for ourselves
How will a substance affect our bodies? Will it affect our relationship with God? Christians are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Is this consistent with using any drug which affects the mind? At Pentecost (Acts 2) the disciples were completely filled with the Holy Spirit and in control. Our bodies are described as the ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).
Drugs affect the mind in different ways – slowing it, speeding it up or distorting it. In reality, a drug will offer a different feeling but the experience will be a short-lived illusion, however good it may feel at the time. It is important to be clear minded and self-controlled (1 Peter 4:7).
In the end, the strongest influence on personal behaviour can only be ourselves. We decide how to care for our own body, mind and spirit.
Caring for others
Christian teaching is also clear about the important role of personal example. We need to avoid actions which may cause others to ‘fall’ even if we might be all right ourselves (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Even though Jesus has set us free (I Corinthians 10:23 – 11:1), where Paul writes “so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (v 31), he qualifies this by saying “Do not cause anyone to stumble … For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved” (v 32). It is a clear Biblical principle that what we are influences others …. and the responsibility of choosing what we do remains ours.
Leadership Roles
Proverbs ch 31:1-9 sets out advice given by a mother to her son, the King. Whilst verses 6-7 might suggest that it is all right to use drink to alleviate suffering, the clarity of verses 4 and 5 shows that she knew alcohol dulls the mind. Perhaps verses 6-7 should be viewed as a comparison with this and not an exhortation to drown their sorrows. The culmination of her advice is found in verses 8 and 9 which are central to Christian action.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Paul, in his writings to Timothy and Titus and elsewhere points out the responsibilities of leadership. So does Peter in 1 Peter chapter 5. It is self-evident that leaders need to be aware that their actions are as important as their words. Yet a legalistic approach to substance use will help no one and Paul points out the dangers of false (legalistic) teaching in many places (eg, 1 Timothy 4).
Practical problems
How do we advise parents who have a teenage son or daughter smoking cannabis? How can we help people practically? Do you think the Church has surrendered the initiative when dealing with drink or other drugs?
With God’s help, Christians in this country can make a difference. History shows that social change for the better has often been linked to a religious movement.
Whether in prevention or care, there is much that each of us can contribute, often without doing more than considering our personal actions, prayer and gifts.
Every church needs to take an interest in drugs because their use causes human suffering and distracts people from the Good News about Jesus.
