How to Follow the Bible

A young man named Rob had many interesting and insightful questions about Christianity, which caused our sidewalk conversation to stretch on to over 45 minutes. One of the more important questions he asked was about how one goes about obeying the Bible through all the important decisions we face in life. (At about 22:45 in recording)

I gave Rob an example of how I used biblical principles in dealing with someone who had treated me unfairly a few days earlier. Here now I want write about how it applies to an issue Rob brought up earlier in our conversation.

Rob had stated that he has turned from atheism to an acceptance of a more spiritual approach as a result of his use of psychedelic drugs. He said the experience expanded his view of the world. So does the Bible have anything to say about psychedelic drug use, even though nowhere is it explicitly mentioned?

There are actually several biblical principals that apply to the use of recreational drugs. First, there is the principle that, unless it directly opposes a moral law of God, we are to obey the governing authorities, and the use of these drugs is often illegal. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus says “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” and Romans 7 tells us “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

This means that as much as possible, we should obey the laws of the land. It doesn’t mean, however, that all activities sanctioned or ignored by the civil authorities are automatically acceptable. Other biblical principles also apply.

The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 teaches us the principle of stewardship, that we are not our own but merely managers or stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. Wasting the master’s money on recreational drugs, or using drugs that harm our God-given bodies both violate the principle of stewardship.

But not only are our bodies to be used as good stewards to serve God in everyday tasks, they are also to be used for holy purposes. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reads “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Another principle often mentioned in Scripture is sobriety often for the case of always being ready for service or ready for battle. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Being “under the influence” of drugs takes down the defenses we normally have against temptation or evil influences.

Finally, there is the principle that we can’t serve two masters: Luke 16:13 – “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

And this “two masters” analogy or short parable shows how biblical principles can be present without being very obvious to beginners. It was primarily directed against those who are distracted by money as their God. But we could just as well substitute in “pleasure” or “escape” or “fantasy” as alternative masters from drug use that might distract us from God. In the end, this “god” just enslaves us with physical and/or psychological addiction.

Some biblical principles are well-known or obvious, but many are only available to us as a result of the careful and diligent study of scripture. Christians who learn and follow them understand the Bible as God’s word that is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”