So can they? Can Christians smoke pot?
I mean its legal in Colorado. My home state of Ohio has it on the ballot next month. Most Americans think it’s OK to use recreationally.
Listen to me…
No. NO. NO NO NO!
You can’t follow Jesus and smoke pot. Here’s why:
Temptation
Jesus prayed, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Mt. 6:13).
Proverbs says, “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.Those led astray by drink cannot be wise” (Prov. 20:1).
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8)
Mind altering substances change our behavior. They lower our inhibitions. All those things we thought we’d never do? Well, guess what, after a couple joints get passed around those things get a lot easier.
Our boundaries get blurred. Sin crouches at the door and our defenses are way more than compromised. They are shot.
Witness
Have we forgot Fast Times at Ridgemont High? Pot smokers have never been known for their Jesus-like life-style.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:13-16).
People are watching and we better be reflecting the light of the Savior and pointing them back to the Father with our good works.
Weakness
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’–but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’–but not everything is beneficial” (1 Cor.10:23).
You might think you are allowed to, but the truth is that doesn’t matter.
“Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall” (Rom 14:13).
Holy Spirit
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18).
Drunk and high are cousins. They will both ruin your life. Whatever reason you have for smoking pot, I can guarantee that being filled with the Holy Spirit is supreme every single time.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:13
