WHY A DECISION ABOUT MARIJUANA IS AN ETHICAL DECISION

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything (1 Cor. 6:12 NLT).

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block… (1 Cor. 8:9).  Because of these two statements and others in the Scripture, we must hit the pause button and examine our choices when it comes to doing what we are free to do because we’re forgiven through Christ and what we should not do because we’re to be responsible with our influence for Christ to those in our world around us.

The Christian’s freedom is a gift which leads to serving others.  It’s a freedom which sacrifices easy pleasures in order to encourage others in their spiritual maturity and worship of the Lord. 

The legalizing of the recreational use of marijuana in Colorado and Washington and most likely other states in the future gives us the opportunity to reflect on the nature of Christian freedom. 

Society’s ethical decisions are made within the culture and history of the society.  Take alcohol for example.  Alcoholic beverages do not serve the same purpose in every culture.  If you are Jewish, you are part of a community with a low propensity to alcoholism.  And you are blessed with a rich history into which is woven the use of wine.  However if you are Russian you are part of a community with a devastating tragic history of addiction to vodka.  The personal freedom the Christian has in both cases is the same, but what is good and helpful for others is radically different.

In our culture in America, what purpose does marijuana serve?  It’s associated with a superficial pleasant disengagement from the world.  It usually brings about a sense of slothfulness and tuning out.  These things are not an option for those who want to impact their world for Christ, be agents of change, love their neighbor, and go out of their way to express God’s compassion and grace to those who are distant to Him.  Are there other uses for pot?  Certainly, but the predominant cultural realities of it must be taken into consideration by the Christ-follower.

Andy Crouch, editor of Christianity Today, makes a revealing statement:  “A great inequality of the day and time in which we live exists between those whose affluence provides plentiful buffer zones for indulging in minor vices without major consequences, and those who are most vulnerable to consumer culture at its worst, tempted to depend on substances to numb the pain of lives robbed of dignity and meaningful work.”  The Christ-follower must take this into consideration when choosing whether or not to exercise his freedom in Christ in our culture.

The marijuana plant is a part of a world that was declared good by the Lord.  But enjoying the delights of the earth, including its array of aromas, flavors, sights, and sounds must always remain subordinate to living for Christ or it becomes idolatry and sinful.

Following Jesus engages us in relationship, so our use and enjoyment of creation should foster relationship, not disengagement.  Living for Jesus increases our sense of attention and responsibility.  It increases our skills and sharpens our abilities.  Following Jesus gives us the opportunity to influence the world.  Marijuana use will not do these things.  It’s a superficial substitute for truly living and living life to the fullest. 

If you’re looking for a complete and meaningful life in the middle of a dysfunctional world, if you’re looking for healing of unresolved issues and pain, then turn toward Jesus as your Source of life and love.  He said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matt. 11:28-30 Mes).  “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of” (John 10:10 Mes).