The reason I am writing this particular post is because there have been a few questions and comments concerning this issue come across my desk recently. I write this not for the benefit of the ungodly nor to those whom are reprobate; for they neither regard nor have faith in God, but I write this for those who are called according to his purpose, and to those who desire to walk worthy of that vocation wherein they have been called.
~ May God Bless You
I hear these arguments about the use of medical marijuana, and from a secular standpoint I am not surprised; for as a former user I liked the idea, but the thing that baffles me is the fact that now in this day and age of “enlightenment” we find “Christians” who like this notion and idea as well. Talk about the great falling away; we have indeed arrived. And I hear this argument that it is a plant; thus God made it and put it here for our use and benefit. Yeah, sounds like a view I had as I smoked a fat one before I gave my life to Christ. Well here’s an argument, God put tobacco, hops, coca plants, opium poppy, and other plant based drugs on Earth; therefore did he mean for us to get drink booze, use cocaine, morphine, heroin, and other drugs. Therein, I suppose that it is also his doing that people overdose, fall into prostitution, become thieves, murders, and live out miserable existences due to the influence of drugs. God forbid that we take any responsibility for our own actions, and exploitations of such materials.
And to hear such ignorant statements that marijuana is not addictive; that it is just psychological, and that marijuana has no damaging effects is completely idiotic. Perhaps one should understand the definition of addiction before they conclude whether something is addictive. Addiction is defined as: 1. drug dependence: a state of physiological or psychological dependence on a drug liable to have a damaging effect. 2. devotion: great interest in something to which a lot of time is devoted. With that knowledge we can conclude that marijuana is indeed addictive; whether physiological or psychological. I know that I myself, although I would’ve stated that I was not, was addicted, and I was miserable when I was unable to get “baked”.
As for the notion that the use of marijuana has no damaging effects; it is blatant denial at the least. I would think that common sense would tell us that anything that is burned, and therefore smoked, creates carcinogens which in turn can cause cancer, and in some research smoking marijuana has been found to contain 50-70 percent more carcinogen's them smoking tobacco. Not to mention the various respiratory problems that smoking causes or the myriad of potential psychological problems. So when I hear individuals make statements that suggest that those who regard marijuana as something to stay away from as unintelligent, although entitled to their opinion, I personally feel the reverse to be true.
In the regards to Christians; in 1 Corinthians 6:12 Paul tells us that we should not be brought under the power of anything, and I would have to say that being addicted or dependent to some drug would constitute being brought under the power of that substance. Paul also states in 1 Corinthians 3 and 6 that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and as such our body’s are not our own. Therefore, we are not to defile our bodies, but we are to be pure, holy, set apart unto righteousness lest we be cut off and destroyed. For I do not believe that the Lord would desire us to be altering our minds and emotions though the use of drugs; which coincidentally has it’s origins in witchcraft.
However, I believe that the real reason that any of these issues have come into question is the mere fact that so many that call themselves Christians do not truly have faith towards God; in that he is more then able to do that which has promised to perform. For it is far easier to run to the doctor, to run to the pharmacy, to run to the dealer then it is to step out in faith and grab hold of that which God has declared unto us, and that is this: healing for both body and mind; if we will only believe. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not against doctors or medication; for I do understand that they have there purposes. However, I do believe that we as Christians have become far to reliant on man and what man can provide; instead of where we profess and should cast all or need: the power of God Almighty.
For I believe that we as Christians have the ability to walk in perfect health. However, there is a catch; we have to have faith towards God. Because I believe that God desires to heal his people, to deliver his people, and to up hold his people. The problem is that his people have forgotten, and neglected his promises, and have begun seeking after other things; simpler and easier things to which there is no need for faith.
I leave you with these last couple of verse that I am reminded of, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promises being left us of entering into the rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” - Hebrews 6:1-2
