It began to happen last year. The questions crept closer. Finally, two male Iowa State students stopped by to ask outright. "Should a Christian?...Can a Christian?...Why shouldn't a Christian smoke marijuana?"
Frankly, I had to hide a smirk. But I was thinking, "You've got to be kidding, right?" But they were not kidding. One student felt it was dead wrong, a sin. The other student, with a history in weed, leaned hard toward "Why not?" He continued, "It's gonna be legalized, so what's the problem?"
The problems are several.
THE ABSENCE OF A BIBLICAL MIND
Christians, especially young ones with little awareness of the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures, often "bottom line" such an issue, be it drinking alcohol or questionable entertainment or any "pleasureable" offering so available in our culture. Rather than thinking Biblically, as a committed disciple of Jesus Christ, many Christians simply opt for unthinking, and often unwise, use of such things.
Where is the Biblical thinking that brings wisdom? Three passages quickly come to mind.
Ephesians 5:15-18
Look very carefully then how hou walk, not as unwise but as wise. Make the very best use of thetime, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand whatthe will of The Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for this is debauchery, but be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, because of the mercies of God (which have been extended to you) to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 6:12-13
"All things are lawful for me" (you like to say), but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me" (you insist), but I will not be dominated by anyaathing. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" (you parrot like the world around you) - and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for The Lord, and The Lord for the body...(6:20) glorify God in your body.
Honestly, can you read those verses and with any kind of a right-thinking, clear conscience, say to the Spirit of God, "Yeah...I think I'll get high to the glory of God."?
The Lord is looking for young men and women who have crucified their fascination with foolishness, and have brought their minds, their bodies, and their souls under the Lordship of Christ.
THE PREVALENT PASSION FOR PLEASURE
When you live in a culture like ours that idolizes sensual passion and personal independence, there is a strong invitation daily issued to all of us to jump in, to simply float along with many, many others in the filth of our modern moral sewage.
The salvation we have in our marvelous Savior is so much more than a pass out of hell. It is a rescue from the "corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4). God provides us promises and power to live to His glory and with His excellence.
And you are asking if you can light up weed? Give me a break.
WWJD (seriously!)
In a world of mediocrity, where "men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil" (John 3), Jesus himself cut a different path. He wouldn't even make stones into bread after 40 days of extreme deprivation and hunger unless His Father gave the signal. "Man does not live by bread alone," he said in humbling his tempting enemy, "but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
My take - think Biblically about choices in your lifestyle, keep your steps out of the moral sewage of our day, and give Jesus room to live His life out through yours.
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