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
7 comments:
what people need to remember is that, just b/c it's been legalized according to man's law doesn't mean it's legal according to God's law, and who is it more profitable to obey, man or God?
And, just because they now would not be judged according to man's law does not change the judgement according to God's law. And, as was posted on the church website, yes, God does know the heart and intention, He knows the innermost thoughts but He also knows what His Word says and the power that a true believer has if they would just reach out in faith.
Consider prostitution. If that was legalized would it all of a sudden become justifiable in the eyes of God. OF COURSE NOT AND GOD FORBID!! Because His Word says that to even look upon another lustfully is to have had committed adultery in the heart. God's standard is so high that only through Jesus Christ do we have any hope of being able to win the prize. Praise be to Him forever!
But the medicine that has "a purpose" also kills many people and gets people addicted so either you have to say no medicine at all or not pick and chose which medicine you agree with. People can become drunk by drinking too much water--and people can die from taking aspirin excessively which is derived from willow bark. Addictive personalities can glom on to food, sex, etc., it doesn't have to be drugs--again defiling the temple of God--yes God is a healer, but chronic pain day after day can lead even the believer to seek relief if the healing has not come. While smoking marijuana for this pain relief goes against my views as well, I am not convinced on where we should draw the line and automatically assume the person is an idiot or looking for excuses to get "high". Just my opinion at this point--and it could change later on with further study into the matter and much prayer.
Amen to SouleSista's comment! And Stand4Truth...seriously?? Your leaving out one important detail here, the drugs you are mentioning that are also addicting are intended to help people in a good way, illegal drugs like Pot was intended in the begining to get people "high" so that miserable unhappy people could be happy again for a short time. It is a "quick fix" for their misery. And it dont last long before they need another "hit". I know this due to being a user myself at my lowest of low days in my life. It never really heals anything it is just a bandaid to the real problem. The real problem was that I did not serve Jesus and therefore I was an unhappy person, BUT once I gave my live to Jesus my constant urge to wanna get high went totally away, and I have to say that I LOVED to het high. NOW how do you explain that? My complete 180??? I dont even think about it because I am so bubbly and happy with an overflowing joy inside my heart now. I have no need for pot. And about your comment of the addiction, taking in too much water or aspirin and food is called an over dose...simple common sense tells us that ANYTHING in excess is harmful!!...so it is our responsibility to "limit" certain things in our life, for the full benefit of staying well. Limits are always going to a part of our life. People who DONT set limits always find themselves in a world of trouble eventually. Yes, there are people out there that have constant pain, and it is terrible, but should we go against Gods law because we are suffering a small amount of what Jesus suffered for ALL of us on the day he was crusified? Some of us have to suffer more than others, why? We might never know, only God himself knows. It is our responsibility to do the best with what we have...and pray always! Who knows maybe if those people in constant pain could ask God to heal them...and be HEALED according to their faith! The Bible says he is a healer, does it not? Ya see the Bible has an answer to every problem...but man seems to always twist things and make them more complicated than it really needs to be. Its sad to know that more people out there do not trust in God, if they did they would not be having this conversation because they would have no need for illegal drugs! So until people realize we need God in our lives, then we will continue to have debates over petty things and troubles will be on a daily basis. Look at the school system for example...God and prayer was taken out of school, and look at our kids? Guns and knives being taken to schools?? As I was growing up going to school, you hardly EVER hear of such things, NOW it is a daily event. So you all be the judge...is taking God out of our school, out of our lives a good or bad thing?? I know my answer...
How do you know Daphne that marijuana couldn't be used to help people in a good way? Why is vicodeine and man made chemicals ok because man invented it to help people in this good way? Did God leave an instruction card on every plant/tree/etc on His creations? I respect the opinion of those who have used marijuana to get high at some point in their lives,and I can certainly see why you would feel this way- but to those who do not intend to get "high" but only to eliminate pain why is that bad and so hard to understand? The point I am trying to make is anything that alters the brain in some way whether deemed "legal" by man or not is a drug and that is something as simple as surfeiting also--it stimulates the pleasure center in the brain as do drugs but this is ok? I never condone drug use for pleasure as a believer and it is not wrong for me to state my opinion about medical marijuana when used correctly if that person taking it feels right in God to do so, I have my own transgressions to worry about...the only reason why I involved myself in this little debate is because it is interesting to see the heat come from such a topic. I was also a pot smoker in my youth, and not only did I not get addicted or move on to harder drugs was that I made a decision that it was not for me and was wrong to use such things--getting "high" is wrong period!. I am also a believer who lives for Christ--I just do not agree on casting stones in this matter as we are all guilty of something...I'm sorry, but I maintain my position that chewing on a marijuana leaf as opposed to popping some vicodin when someone is in extreme pain (not just average pain we all experience)would be the safer alternative to that individual. I would rather nobody have pain meds at all and that we could all walk in this great health and faith that you all seem to have, and I hope to God that if I ever get in a position where pain is unbearable my faith will see me through.
I'm glad we found something we can be passionate about, Too bad its drugs!!!
lol@ Robert xD
A question you have to ask is would this person use this a a pain releiver if theyd never used it before. my opion is no, so more than likely theyve been a user in the past and then you have to questuon what then is their actual purpose now?
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