Self-Control By the Spirit

Substance abuse is becoming more and more prevalent in our society today. Drugs and alcohol are more readily accessible. Advertising and visibility are enticing more to partake in these life-altering and life-threatening ventures. Legalizing of the sale of certain forms of drugs or the lessening of restrictions on when and to whom to sell certain beverages has encouraged participation in a sinful lifestyle.

As Christians we are called out of such a lifestyle of rioting and drunkenness (Romans 13:11-14). The work of flesh of indulging in illicit and addictive drugs (“witchcraft” – from which we get our English word pharmaceutical) should have no part in the Christian experience (Galatians 5:19-21). Our dependence should never be on worldly substances, but in the living God, Christ our Savior, and His Spirit that lives in us! Turning to our Lord and allowing Him to control us while supplying all we need is vital (Eph. 5:18). Turning in dependence to drugs and alcohol will only mask the real issues of your life and become enslaving to your ruin, while Christ will provide freedom, healing and answers to life’s perplexities (Romans 6:17-18).

Listen to God’s ways of wisdom . . .
Proverbs 23:29–32 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; They that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it giveth his colour in the cup, When it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder.
Proverbs 31:4–5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.