FriAug82008
What is the Biblical perspective on using medicine to help with a problem that is typically associated with self-control - such as overeating, smoking, etc? Is that saying we don't believe that God can give the strength to overcome on our own?
The issue of personal discipline and self control is absolutely huge in our culture currently. For $19.95 a month we are told that some pretty amazing transformations can take place. ‘Before’ and ‘after’ pictures are taking the place of grandkids and missionaries on our refrigerators.
Similarly to New Testament times, self control (limited to certain areas) is valued as a virtue in much of our society. The person who controls their appetite, their exercise, their money, their weight and their appearance is highly valued. The Bible teaches the importance of mastering desires and passions for the sake of the gospel and by the help of the Holy Spirit. It is not viewed as primarily benefiting the individual or their acceptance by others as it is in our world today.
The Bible teaches that self control is possible as the child of God yields control to the Holy Spirit and works diligently to master their flesh rather than be mastered by it. The often overlooked key to self control is found in the motivation of the heart. That is why a certain clothing size, body shape and long term health work for many people to motivate pushing the body to behave against how it feels and what it wants. These are the most treasured values to many. The frustration is incredible for those who desire some type of change but consistently are unable to be motivated by these values.
Scripture connects self control to the larger value of pleasing God and proclaiming the gospel through our lives. Self control is a Spirit driven method to overcome the sins of our flesh (Gal.5:16-24); ultimately motivated by representing Christ well to others (5:13-15, 24-26). It is a wearisome fight to stay in the race of preaching the gospel to all we come in contact with (1Corinthians 9:19-27). Self control is also something we diligently add in order to grow in holiness, fruitfulness and usefulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Peter 1:4-11). For the believer, self control is to be motivated by serving others, proclaiming the gospel and advancing in godliness.
Medications, in general, should be viewed from the perspective of usefulness to deal with the heart motivations. Obviously, there are challenging exceptions and wisdom dictates that medical professionals should be consulted. Medications in the applications the question raises do not address heart issues in any way, often they can be used to avoid the appropriate heart motivations. Why do you want to change, stop or begin something that requires self control? If it is because you want to honor and please God, that is the right beginning. Repentance, changing wrong thinking and doing what is right for the right reasons is necessary before or at least along with considering medicines such as the question mentions.