These days, there seems to be an ever-widening gap between what is right, and what is legal or permissible. As Canadians we treasure life, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness. As Christians, we seek to serve and glorify God in all things. But what happens when these ideals come into conflict, particularly when it’s in the “pursuit of happiness”? That’s a question more and more Christians will have to ask themselves as marijuana becomes legal, and alcohol more acceptable.
With the recreational use of marijuana (or pot as its more commonly called) now becoming legal and Alcohol so widely accepted in most churches in Canada, most people believe it’s only a matter of time before these substance are accepted even more in the church. However, many strong church leaders today believe the new law changes nothing, and that drugs like pot or alcohol have no place in a Christian lifestyle.
“Why should Christians flaunt their freedom in matters with such grave consequence for others?" It is hard to imagine a more direct application of Paul's admonition to the Corinthians: ‘Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak’ (1 Cor. 8:9).”
“Are alcohol & marijuana cultivated celebrations of the created world, that enhances and sharpens image bearing in all its dimensions? Or do they merely substitute for the consolations and comforts of life lived truly and honestly before God and other people? In our cultural context, the answer seems pretty clear, and the way to true freedom is clear as well.”
As Christians, our course is clear. As followers of Christ, it is our privilege to live in pursuit of Jesus and not chase after worldly pleasures. Though alcohol is so acceptable and marijuana may become legal in Canada it does not mean that Christians have to partake in them. Christ has given us freedom, let’s be sure we don’t use it foolishly.
Hi Harold;
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the various reasonings over this issue of pot; what's the diff between having a toke and having a glass of wine? What's wrong with an aid to relaxation? Some arguments have some validity to them, such as legalizing it so that its commonplace and no longer black market contradband that can generate lucrative prices that motivate people to turn to crime for an income, Using it medicinally for those with illnesses that require pain management without horriifc side effects. My personal experience with the world of pot smoking (and hash) came from observing my father's use of it. It definitely affected him in his overall life. He wasn't sharp or focused or even aware half the time of how derelict in his responsbilities he was because of how dulled his sensibilities and motivation was due to his use of recreational drugs. He figured as long as he was holding down a job and paying the bills he was doing fine. Yet for us children, coming home to see the person responsible for our safety, security and development stoned and off in la la land, with his reasoning and reactions affected by his drug and alcohol use, was nothing short of terrifying and threatening. My dad was a talented man with natural abilities in engineering, mechanics and construction yet most of his talents were barely used or usable because of how much his cutting edge was dulled. My thinking is that anything that dulls your cutting edge has got to go, unless one is happy and okay with living a mediocre life instead of an excellent, accomplished life.
Very well written. Glad to see you still can compliment him on the skills you recognized in him therefore still honoring him despite his disease. I am sure he did not wake up one morning and decide to become an alcoholic or drug user.
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