The Substance of the Spirit
by Brad Manley
Over the last half century in America so called “recreational” drug use multiplied exponentially. To imagine that such realities have not found their way into the life of Christ’s church would be naïve at best.
Having routinely used drugs recreationally before conversion, many Christians continue to be vulnerable to their appeal. Not only are they vulnerable by reason of their past experience, they are also at risk because the subject is rarely if ever addressed in the evangelical church, which leaves former drug users unsure of what is appropriate for Christian behavior.
Adding to this, recent laws allow marijuana, a commonly used illegal recreational drug, to be used by prescription for medical purposes (including reducing nausea and vomiting, increasing appetite for those receiving chemotherapy, lowering internal eye pressure in glaucoma patients, and aiding in the treatment of some gastrointestinal illnesses).
While there are legitimate medical uses for marijuana and/or other legal drugs, their use outside of genuine medical needs must be seriously questioned by followers of Jesus.
After discussing the ethical question of eating meat that had been offered to idols, Paul indicates that the overriding criterion for this decision and any other decision for the Christian is: Does this bring glory to God? (1 Corinthians 10:31) Because something is legal in the eyes of government does not mean it exalts the character and purpose of God.
Remembering that God considers our body holy and made for his purposes (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:12-19), several questions may be helpful to the believer in evaluating the role of any substance in his or her life.
What need in my life am I seeking to meet by using this substance? Is it to help with a genuine medical problem, or is it to alter my emotional state of mind by giving me a temporary escape from stress? It may be easy to use a minor medical need as an excuse to take a drug for non-medical purposes.
Is this a need for which I should be dependent upon God alone? Anything to which we go as a substitute for God is an idol.
Am I physically and/or emotionally addicted to this substance? Has the use of this substance made me dependent upon it in order for me to function normally? By contrasting the work of the Holy Spirit with a substance (alcohol), the Bible affirms that God intends for us to be spiritually, mentally, and emotionally under the influence of the Holy Spirit and not substances: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
(Ephesians 5:18)
What would God say to me about this? Am I sensing conviction? Paul says that doing anything we think might not please God is sinful. “. . . Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:22, 23)
Does my use of this substance compromise my testimony of allegiance to Jesus? In Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 Paul says that it is sinful to spiritually injure or impair others by our lifestyle choices even if we believe our use of something is not in and of itself sinful.
May we all be increasingly under the influence of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God and the progress of our joy.