Call out of darkness
Which areas of my life are important to God?
Proverbs 4:20,22 – My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. / For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
3 John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Which health does the Bible mean? Is it only the spiritual health?
Romans 6:12 – Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Ephesians 2:3 – Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Remark: God wants to sanctify (purify) us from the things that harm us. He not only desires us to be spiritually healthy, but also physically healthy. Although our physical bodies are temporary, we are holistic beings made up of body, soul and spirit, with each influencing the other.
What responsibility does the Bible ascribe to Christians?
1 Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light …
Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Remark: We are called to be God’s modern-day priests, a holy nation set apart from today’s society, which is plagued by addictions and health problems. Even though the role of priests, as in the Old Testament, is no longer relevant—since we now have direct access to God (Hebrews 10:19,22)—the holiness of this calling is still emphasized. For example, priests were not allowed to drink alcohol (Leviticus 10:8-11).
How crucial is it for Christians to look after themselves?
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Remark: Believers play a part in God’s divine plan to minister to and save humankind. Our whole being, including the body, is not only symbolically described as holy priests but also as the temple of God, which must not be defiled. And although specific things like drugs and smoking are not mentioned in the Bible, the principles are clear. Such harmful things damage and thus defile our bodies, which belong to God and are called His temple.
Should I use things that have questionable or mixed effects?
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Remark: Substances like drugs, energy drinks, psychotropic medication (when not truly needed), coffee, and strong teas can cause addiction and harm the body. They increase health risks for the heart, circulation, and metabolism, often altering consciousness and creating dependency. Unlike natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, these substances require processing to produce their stimulating effects—distorting the natural healing purpose of plants God provided.
Can I use things that are forbidden by human laws?
Romans 13:1,3 – Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. / For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Remark: Although many drugs are legally and socially accepted, most drugs that fall into the category of narcotics are forbidden by law—and for good reason. We should be obedient to the laws of the land (the country we live in).
What responsibility do Christians have towards unbelievers?
1 Peter 2:11-12 – Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
2 Peter 1:3-4 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Remark: We should abstain from fleshly lusts—things we may crave because of addictions—so that we can be a good example and influence for unbelievers. For instance, smoking is an addiction that causes lung cancer, heart attacks, premature births, and other health problems. If society knows this but still sees Christians struggling with such a harmful addiction, what kind of witness is that for those around us? If we know that something could make others question us or doubt our devotion, we should avoid it (Romans 14:19-22).
Into his marvelous light
Whom can I turn to instead of drugs when I have difficulties?
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Who can help, if I feel too weak to stop consuming addictive substances?
Galatians 5:16 – This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Remark: See the article “What Makes a Christian Truly Free?” about walking in the Spirit.
Does the addiction just go away, or do I need to do something about it?
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 – And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body {I keep my body under / suppress it}, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Remark: It is a struggle and a fight with the carnal self—a matter of discipline and the power of will working together with God’s strength.
Which emotions play a role in my fight against addiction?
2 Corinthians 7:1 – Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Hebrews 11:25 – Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season …
Remark: First, the promises of God—connected to everlasting life and the reward of eternal happiness if we follow Jesus—can give us strength. Second, the fear of God (respect and awe of Him, whom we should love most; the fear of hurting God through our actions) can also help us. Ultimately, logic and pragmatic thinking should lead us to understand that sin is temporary, fleeting, and available only for the short span of human life, whereas a life with God, though sometimes involving suffering, is far better in the end—and that is what a reasonable, logically thinking person should choose.
Some temptations just feel so strong. Is it even possible to resist?
1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Remark: First, God will not allow a temptation that is stronger than the combination of His power and our free will. Second, the key seems to be “escape”; it is often easier to avoid temptation (by getting distracted or doing something else) than to focus solely on it and its lure.
Is it only between God and me?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Remark: Fighting battles against addiction is much more effective when done in unity with other believers. See also Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Colossians 3:16.
What promise does God give me if I fight the good fight?
James 4:7-8 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will fleefrom you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
