There is a growing chorus of voices calling for the legalization of Marijuana for a variety of reasons. One is a group that clamors for open use of the drug for pain management. Another large group wants it for recreation for, after all, alcohol brings release and joy (only in the moment is “joy”) and is legal, so why not marijuana? And there is a group who want it to be available for others as it is an American right (libertarians). Almost daily there is an article promoting its acceptance as many other states are and we certainly don’t want to be left behind: to be seen as old-fogey or Puritanish. The outcry for Nebraska to join the acceptance of weed grows. So, based on pain help (compassion), joy and pleasure, rights, and joining the crowd, should MJ be accepted and legalized?
Part of the problem is the new thinking of many that old ways / culture / standards are wrong or no longer valid. That is, we live in a new day and for that there must be a new order. Thus, the reasonings of the 50’s and 60’s to reject marijuana hold no water today.
But should such thinking carry the day? A large part of our problem is that truth and absolute truth have been replaced with “progressive truth” or situational ethics or personal truth. The discarding of culture is really the result of the discarding of the Bible as truth. Far too many churches have discarded the Bible and by those who still talk the supremacy of Biblical truth, too many have their truth rooted in the media, friends, gut-feelings or in love (“all you need is love!”) as their ultimate truth. The world may discard the Bible but such will never be truly Christian. What might Christians glean from the Bible for direction on this topic?
Ephesians 5:15-19 (NIV), thoughts:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
Instead, be filled with the Spirit,
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice the charges given to followers of Jesus: 1.) be careful, 2.) live wisely, 3.) see and seize opportunities, 4.) know that evil is everywhere, 5.) don’t be foolish, 6.) know God’s will, 7.) don’t let strong drink lead you into foolishness, 8.) be filled with God, 9.) know and be engage with others, 10.) be about singing songs about God, 11.) let your heart/soul sing, 12.) take note and give thanks, and 13.) take note of God and Jesus. Such is a person fully mentally engaged in life and acting accordingly.
Here are some thoughts about the mind:
Use all your mind: Matthew 22:37, Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Have a right mind: Mark 5:15, Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind.
Guard your mind: Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Be of sound mind: II Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Be sober-minded: Titus 2:6, Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded.
Exercise self-control: Titus 1:8, But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,
If your mind is influenced, altered, dulled, or other; how can one obey these charges from God?
a PK Musing 