I'm a Christian now . . . but I was a hard-core drug addict . . . I was on herion for years . . . in order to get off of it, the Lord allowed me to get help from the clinic. I'm on methadone now. I don't think it's a drug; it just blocks the withdrawals and it blocks the desire to use again . . . I plan on going off it in a few months. Do you think I will go to hell for taking methodone? I believe since the doctor prescribed it to me, since it's not an illegal drug, and because it just keeps me from having withdrawals and wanting to use, that it's not wrong. I plan on being off in aboout 5 or 6 months . . .
~ Tim's Answer ~
Thank you for your question. You have made two of the most important decisions in your life. First, you have surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus and now wish to honor Him with your life. That is the most important decision, because it impacts not only the quality of your life here, but your life for eternity. I trust that you will seek to follow Jesus with all of your heart, that you will love Him most deeply, and that your heart will grow to yearn for Him always. He is a friend who wants to be in a meaningful and rich relationship with you.
Second, your decision to stop using drugs is critical to life. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful and that he would not be brought under the power of any. To state this in another way, of the things that are lawful for us to do, we should avoid doing that which ultimately controls us. This is hard, because what controls us often does so because we crave the immediate pleasure it brings. Learning to say "no" to these desires is critical to living a rich and good life, one pleasing to God and to others. But do not focus on the "no." Rather, focus on desiring Jesus. Everything you wanted that was supplied from drugs, seek from Jesus. Over time, you will find a relationship so rich with Him that you will wonder what took you so long. Those who seek Him with all of their heart will find the breadth, length, depth, and height of His love to be completely overwhelming, so much so that they will fall on their knees in wonder and grace. Always, always, keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
And seek to be a blessing to others. I suspect you have wasted many years in which you have not been much of a blessing to others. But that is now in the past. Don't fret about it. Rather, every morning, when you arise, ask Jesus to allow you to be a blessing to someone that day. And then, seek to see how He answers that prayer.
And, no, you will not go to hell because you are using methadone. One goes to hell because one does not choose to trust in Jesus for help. I am on a cancer drug, prescribed by a doctor, and it is a gift of God. Using methadone in accordance with a doctor's direction is a good thing. I would follow your provider's instruction on how long you should be on this medication. Be upfront and honest. When the time comes for you to be off of it, I pray that the Lord Jesus will keep you safe in Him and that your life will only grow more rich and rewarding.
In the meantime, serve God by serving others. If you can, it would be good to get some type of job so that you can use it to help pay for your expenses as well as expand your ability to give to others. Learn to be a blessing to all.
And may the Lord Jesus bless you as you seek to follow Him.
A fellow pilgrim,
tim
