For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
Let us face the facts. The awful monsters—drugs, alcohol, and tobacco—are threatening and destroying that which God created noble and good. Like the tentacles of a mighty octopus, they grasp and draw both young and old into their embrace.
An epidemic of huge proportions is upon today’s society. The curse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco has left many people adrift without an anchor, headed for eternal destruction. People are readily influenced by their peers as well as by social media, magazines, internet, and television advertisements regarding these vices. The mind is assailed to the point where it is in a whirlpool of confusion and frustration, resulting in spiritual and physical deterioration.
Bearing Our Blame
Who should bear the blame for such immoral behavior? The younger generation? Not necessarily. By their own ungodly living, many parents have sanctioned the sins in which the younger generation indulges. Fathers and mothers are unaware that they are introducing their children to an alcoholic and drug addict’s doom by failing to check their corrupt impulses. God’s moral principles have been carelessly disregarded. A mighty cry should ascend to heaven. How can we save ourselves and our children?
Our society cannot produce the quality of citizens that are needed when drinking and drug use are tolerated and encouraged through the laxity of parents, teachers, and professors. The use of alcohol is a great corrupter of public morals; destroying judgment, character, and life. It contributes to the wrecking and dividing of the home, God’s holy institution for the blessing of mankind.
Added to the menace of alcohol is the increasing use of drugs. The bad effects of these drugs far outweigh any so-called benefits. The use of drugs can cause poor judgment and mental derangement. Drug users admit it is a death trap: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Irreparable brain damage, murder, and suicide are often the tragic consequences of these indulgences. Drug use and the sin of immorality are closely related to each other and often the continual use of drugs will lead people to commit sins of immorality.
Vices Bring Bondage
Drugs, alcohol, or tobacco bring us into bondage to where it takes God's power to overcome. The use of tobacco may seem less harmful than drugs or alcohol, but it can quickly become a habit that is very hard to break free from. It can be offensive to those around us when we smoke. Those ensnared by the vices of tobacco—chewing, smoking, and vaping—can become enslaved and in bondage due to often needing to satisfy the craving it brings. There are people who question what is wrong with it. The Bible does not specifically mention the use of tobacco, but it does give direction and principles that can be used as a guide.
The Bible clearly teaches that our bodies are not our own, that they are intended to be temples for God and for his Holy Spirit. The Bible shows that it is sinful to harm or defile our bodies: “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 3:16-17). When we live a clean and pure life God will reward us.
Misuse of Resources
The need to spend money for alcohol, drugs, and tobacco often deprives children and other adults of the needful things of life: food, clothing, and even homes. This selfish use of money is causing much suffering and discomfort in the world today. The Bible says. “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness” (Isaiah 55:2).
God Can Deliver
God loves you and wants you to come to Him just as you are. He is well able to deliver you. One of the first steps in overcoming our addictions is admitting that we have a problem and that we need help. Even though these vices are strongly addictive, and you may have a craving for it, God will gladly bring his almighty power to help you overcome your problem. God knows your heart and there could be other sins in your life like unforgiveness, abuse, etc., that also need to be dealt with. Can I expect to overcome my addictions if I have unforgiveness in my life? God desires our whole heart and life. God not only sees your habits and problems, but He sees how Satan has tripped you up. If you are tired of these vices and want deliverance from them, just come to Jesus admitting your wrong and He will give you the victory through his power. God's word tells us that, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).