I recently learned from one of the volunteers @ The Courageous Church that they have a “casual” marijuana smoking habit. I posed to the Twitter & Facebook community the question of what exactly my response should be to this admission and the answers were pretty doggone passionate and as varied as, “that person has to go” to “what’s wrong with smoking a joint”. Passionate enough for us to open up the discussion here so that we can really get to the heart of the matter.
Let me pose the question again – how do you think I should respond to this new knowledge that I have? Remove the person from the position they hold? Coach them out of the habit? Just pray for them and keep moving?
{ 108 comments… read them below or add one }
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Dear "Volunteer"
Have you been reading this? If so what is your opinion regarding the comments?
I think that you should contact your manufacturer (God) for troubleshooting. Advice comes from the "minds" of man. Revelation and ordered steps comes from the Spirit of God. Our Father's will should be sought not our brother's beliefs.
May God speak clearly and firmly to you Brother!
In His service,
Your fellow soldier
Matthew 5: 16—I beleive the Bible instructs us to do both.
Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22 is just one example.
What I've always loved about Christ, is His ability to minister to people where they are. I believe this is the best opportunity for you to minister to this person, just as Jesus would. People smoke, drink etc to feel a void. But, we know that Jesus is the only One who can fill a void. Teach him not only how to pray for his addiction, but show him specifically how to pray the Word of God, for it is the Word of God that can deliver him and truly set him free.
If I were the volunteer in question or the pastor seeking opinions, my concern would be less focused on the weed and more focused on the volunteer's relationship with the Lord. I am neither condoning nor condeming the behavior, but I would consider where this person is going as a Christ follower.
As we invite Christ into our lives, we are changed forever, but not necessarily all at once. Our relationship with Jesus and the degree to which we have turned over our life to Him and fully embraced His presence inside us can be seen as we shed old ways. If we continue to live as we have prior to asking Christ to come inside us, or have persistent habits or behaviors which do not change, then my biggest concern would not be about the weed, but about why a member of the body has not continued to grow in their transformation to a life for Christ.
I would not focus on changing their habit, but assuring that they continue to spiritually grow and are discipled to maturity. If this volunteer continues to embrace a Christ centered life, the question of weed will be solved, along with many other positive changes, as their life reflects Jesus more and more and their old self, less and less.
You should not remove them from this position. Its only a matter of time before weed is legal. If that happens will your opion change about smoking weed? Would you be questioning yourself about removing this person if you knew they smokes cigarettes or drank alcohol every weekend? People tend to forget these are drugs too but they just happen to be legal! This person is doing a positive thing and if they chose NOT to share this information with you…..you would have never known. NO ONE LIVES IN A GLASS HOUSE ON PLANET EARTH!!! Is this person doing his job everytime he/she volunteers? Do they sell weed to the members of your church? I think sometime we get carried away with weed being sooooo bad for you. Would you fire someone who told you they eat 12 kripy kreme doughnuts every mornig for breakfast and they were diabetic? Would you fire some one who was over weight and you knew it was becuse they ate fast food for breakfast, lunch and dinner? As you could see I can go on and on!! I think you should just pray that he/she quits and maybe counsel him as well if you feet that strongly…..however to fire him from a volunteer position is not justified!
I think the point is being missed.
Yes, people have other vices. Yes, everyone sins. But that in no way gives us the right to do it. It's illegal, simple. I think the church is too focused on what is good for me? How can I make my walk/life easier? How do I get a blessing? Are we not missing the point: God has already blessed us, we should be burning in hell, but we aint. Surely that's the biggest blessing? Everything else is just extra on top of extra!
As for goodbye PotSmokingVolunteer? Maybe coaching is better. If 30% of all Christian men struggle with porn, do we say to our brother, sorry, you can't serve in church because you are struggling with porn? No. Same thing here. (And i aint getting into a debate if its the same sin, same addictive behaviour, blah blah blah! Shup!)
If someone looks at porn and says there is nothing wrong with looking at porn, even though sexual immorality is spoken against in nearly every book of the new testement. Then I say, let em go, they are unrepentant. But if you, PotSmokingVolunteer, now see it as an issue, as a sin, or are willing to be convicted by God, and give it up, or try to give it up, I would say you are as welcome as anyone.
PotSmokingVolunteer, seeing it just like anything else thats breaking the law, don't cut it. There is no excuse for any sin, simple as that. You can't condone sin by saying I look at porn too, thats an unrepentant heart and you need to ask for forgiveness. Simple as that. I pray that God shows you His will for you, I believe that is to not smoke weed.
"When it comes to weed, I guess I struggle with wondering if it's truly a stumbling block in 2009. The majority of the people I know smoke weed." – maybe to the world its not a stumbling block, but we aint suppose to be of the world :-)
Keeping look up man!
Hmm, if sinners aren't allowed to volunteer at church then you better go ahead and close your doors. Who is anyone to judge if his sin is better or worse than anyone else's. At least he/ she was honest about their problem. Unless their use is impacting their ability to volunteer, I don't see how they can be turned away without turning away every single volunteer b/c do you really have one who is not a sinner? Since this person confided in you, maybe they were trying to ask for help. I am a therapist and my office is in midtown- if this person wants help, feel free to contact me- I will work with him/ her pro bono.
Andy,
I'VE READ SEVERAL OF YOUR OTHER REPLIES…. & IT SEEMS TO ME YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE CLAIMING YOU ARE TRYING NOT TO BE–JUDGMENTAL!
SUCKS 4 U. :-/
LET ME FIRST SAY MY RESPONSE WAS, UMM WHAT'S IT CALLED?? AN OPINION!!! [oops... =x excuse the sarcasm I've been told it's kinda annoying LOL] ANYWHO I WILL MAKE THIS SHORT & SIMPLE AS I DON'T REALLY FIND IT NEC TO DEFEND MY OPINION. CAUSE IT IS JUST THAT.
1. As far as the research: BOTH!
2. Talked to someone "dependent" on weed? Hmm guess that depends on how you define it. The word can be arbitrary. Know plenty of individuals who use it on a very regular basis. I'm from the Bay & am surrounded by it, but just like drinking, & smoking cigarettes I just never had the desire.
3. What's an issue for you is not nec an issue for someone else.
4. Who are you to tell me my comment is owt of line? According to whose guidlines/standards?! I just feel like the coaching them out of the habit is a bit assumptive & slightly judgmental. Again I will say the only issue I have with it is legality. And honestly I think cigarettes should be illegal before weed.
5. As far as the lesser of two evils comment… umm if Gay Porn is not harming others and you would like to continue to indulge in Gay Porn, Andy, by all means enjoy yourself. I AM NOT GOD & will not try to fix something you don't deem broken. Now if you say you are an addict, it's affecting your life or someone elses, you would like to stop, &/or ask for help, then let the coaching begin!
6. Where is the love? umm ya… don't really get what you mean. All I'm sayin is it ain't my job to fix those who don't want to be fixed homie.
7. The issue at hand is should the volunteer be let go. Ultimately Shaun is the leader of the church as pastor and that's a decision he needs to make based upon his beliefs and ideals for the church. My criteria would be to assess the individual and the habit by asking if either is a threat to the church, it's mission, & it's people.
8. PEACE!
–KAMMs
Well I definitely dont think this person should be removed. Sin is sin and this is just the same as if you found out this person was shaking up, or fornicating, or told a little white lie. And like the Bible says "All have sinned and come short of his glory." So we all sin and must all repent daily. And this person wont really change until the Holy Spirit convicts them and they realize the wrong for themselves. So my advice is to tell them of the wrong and why it's wrong and then pray that they turn from their wicked ways.
Brothers and sisters, let me start by offering you blessings and love in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This topic is one that is very important to me because I also casually use marijuana. I was always told as a child in church that using drugs is wrong, but I was never told why. I have been searching for an answer regarding the use of marijuana for a very long time. After much prayer, study, and debate, I have come to the knowledge of the following: there are no passages in the Bible which specifically state that the use of marijuana is either wrong or right. People use the fact that it is illegal to justify it being a sin, but do the words illegal and sin go hand in hand? What about the words legal and holy? No, they don't so therefore this cannot be an acceptable justification for marijuana being a sin. The closest thing the Bible mentions to the use of drugs is what it commands regarding drunkenness/intoxication. The Bible states that drinking is permissible with limitations. God created wine specifically to make the heart of a man glad (Psalm 104:1&14-15). However, too much alcohol will cause us to act like fools and we will therefore not be able to give testimony of Christ. The same can rule of thought can be applied to marijuana: it is permissible with limitations. Granted, the Bible does not mention marijuana at all, but the intent of use and the effects caused by its use is not so different from that of alcohol. As with both drinking and marijuana, moderate responsible use can make one feel good, but its abuse can cause negative effects which can hinder our ability to give testimony of Christ.
Since there is no specific command regarding the use of marijuana, the above statement is open to interpretation and dispute. This type of situation falls right into the category of what Paul calls "disputable matters" (Romans 14:1). Since the topic of Romans 14 explains how to deal with these differences of opinions, I believe we can find the final answer to the marijuana dilemma and other matters which are not mentioned specifically in the Bible right in this passage. In Matthew 22:39 Jesus commands us to "love our neighbor as we love ourself". Romans 14 describes how to love and accept one another regardless of differences in our opinions. It gives an example of how one man's faith allows him to eat everything and another man's weak faith allows him to eat only vegetables. Now, lets read with understanding and analyze the passage. Romans 14 is not saying that individuals with weak faith are vegetarians. It is making a point regarding different levels of spiritual maturity. At the time that Romans was written, a person with weak faith meant that the person was a new convert to Christianity, it was in no way an indicator as to the strength of their actual faith in God. By reading the passage, we can see that there are different actions taken by those who are new to the faith and those who were more experienced in their walk with God. Those with more spiritual maturity were able to do things that the new believers weren't. The fact that the newer believers felt that they could not partake in these activities did not in any way mean that the more mature believers were wrong for doing it and it did not mean that the new believers were wrong for not partaking in the activities. Paul tells us to accept these types of differences without passing judgment. He asks "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?" (Romans 14:4) I will pause from the scripture for a moment and say this: if there is no passage or law in the Bible that condemns my use of marijuana, how can anyone condemn me? I do not condemn or pass judgment on those who chose not to use marijuana for whatever their reason may be. I cannot, I have no heavenly authority to pass judgment, but neither does anyone else.
Continued…
I've heard people erroneously apply the stumbling block argument from Romans 14:13 to the marijuana issue. They state that since my use may be a stumbling block for someone else, that I should not use it. However, the way they have applied this verse is exactly what it was warning against! The stumbling block that the Bible is referring to is to the passing of judgment on what a person choses to do or not do for the Lord! The actual stumbling block is creating rules and laws that are an unnecessary burden on your brother because they do not come from the Lord, but from your own personal beliefs. I cannot say that true Christians would be spiritually mature enough to use marijuana just like it cannot be said that true Christians must abstain from using. There is no clear answer on this so we must agree to disagree and lovingly accept that God deals with each of us in his own way. God gave each of us certain gifts and abilities and we are the only ones who know what these are and what God requires of us individually. It is for this reason that salvation is individual. Consider this: Samson was told by God to not cut his hair and to abstain from any fermented drink. These are good principles to follow. Should we all be like Samson? Would the covenant that God had with Samson carry over to us because we are emulating his actions? Likewise, Paul had been called to be unmarried. It was a gift and a calling that God gave him. Should we all be like Paul and not marry? How could the human race survive? Unlike Samson, I have cut my hair off and I have drank fermented drinks and unlike Paul, I have married. Am I any greater than them or are they any greater than me? By no means! This is exactly what Romans 14 was saying.
Romans 14:22 says that “whatever you believe about these [disputable matters] keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” This is what God wants us to do regarding these issues. Too often, people seek to rally with those who think like they do and together they go and attack those who have a different set of beliefs. We have to remember that we are one in Christ and are not to create the stumbling blocks for each other. If you have any questions or issues arising from these matters, go to God with them. If the subject matter vexes your mind, ask God to show you the truth about it, but remember to keep an open heart and be receptive to whatever God may tell you.
In closing, I will say this: I feel that the majority of the comments on this forum were not made to intentionally hurt or pass judgment on anyone, but this is precisely what has happened. Based on what is traditionally believed and practiced, many of you have suggested that the volunteer be encouraged with love and understanding to change what he is doing. It was generally accepted that the brother was doing something wrong. However, this judgment is not only incorrect, but it is also anti-Biblical. As I have proven above, there is no specific passage in the Bible regarding the use of marijuana. We are commanded to judge one another according to the Word. If the Word is silent on an specific issue, Romans 14 dictates how that situation is to be handled.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
As far as I can see, it seems to be a clear; consensus that weed is considered a sin because of its legality. Paul wrote in Romans 13 how we are to “obey the laws of the land”. However, we also have to think about the time this was written and the audience that he wrote this to. It is not common knowledge, but it is through history that tells us Paul benefited from the legal protection of the Roman empire. The first generation of Christians also benefited from the same freedom of worship and legal protections as the Jews. Christians and Jews kept favor with the Roman emperors until there were emperors such as Nero who turned against them. The Roman empire remain unchanged until emperor Constantine became a Christian and overturned the laws that were previously established. If Constantine would have stayed within the realms of the what Paul wrote to the Romans, then he would have had to continued with persecution of Christian as mandated by law. Did he commit a sin because he did what was illegal?
America was founded by people who revolted against the establishment. Were they wrong? I don't think so. If we are to follow precisely what Romans 13 indicates, then I could say that Dr. Martin Luther King sinned by going against the Jim Crow laws of his time. No one here would dare to say that fighting for equal rights for minorities was a sin. Yet he and many others did so in the name of freedom. The same can be said with women's liberation movement. It was illegal for any woman to vote, yet they stood up for their beliefs until the laws were changed. I am not negating Romans 13, but there are clearly times where it may be necessary or permissible to go against the law.
If we equate what is deemed legal in our country to what is right in the sight of God, then we are surely mistaken. There are some states that condone same sex marriages, however we all know that it is an abomination to God. America says that its okay for pregnant women to kill their unborn babies. Yet God says thou shall not kill. What about the states and countries that allow the usage of marijuana?
What if a Christian grew up in a society that accepted it's use? That person would not feel convicted because there isn't any specific law in the bible that condemns it.
Continued
The sin comes into play when a person is abusing it and they are addicted to it. NOT EVERYONE who uses weed is addicted to it. The dictionary definition for addiction is: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming. Some people can be addicted to watching television. Does that mean watching television is a sin, or that everyone who watches television is addicted to it? Absolutely not. You may come home from a long day of work and and watch the news on a regular basis. The problem would come if you miss the news and you feel that you can't live with out watching it. This is the same as someone who feels they cannot live without cigarettes, video games, or weed. The true question we should be asking is if his smoking is something he cannot live or go a day without.
The bible states that it is permissible to drink fermented drink (alcohol). Jesus turned water into wine. Yet this doesn't stop people from saying drinking alcohol is a sin. Why is that? However, the bible clearly states that when a person gets drunk then they are committing the sin. Can a person have a glass of wine and not get drunk. Yes! In the same way a person can consume marijuana and not get inebriated (which means: to exhilarate, confuse, or stupefy mentally or emotionally).
Another reason I've read that people feel using marijuana is wrong is because it is unhealthy for a persons body. If this is the case then we souls all stop eating fast food, processed foods and anything fried. We all know that these things are unhealthy, but that doesn't stop us from eating them. Lets say that there is a believer that doesn't have enough money to buy healthy food to eat and they could only afford unhealthy fast food meal. If that person dies, would they go to hell because they consumed something that wasn't good for their bodies?
Since the bible doesn't specify if the usage of marijuana is a sin, who are we to say that it is or isn't?
The bible says that everything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23). If consuming weed causes him to fall away from his faith, then yes it is a sin. If it does not cause him to fall away from his faith in God than it is not. We should not say, “this is wrong unto God” or “this is right unto God” unless he said it. In this case he didn't say either way. So what ever you chose to do in your life stay in your faith and live in obedience according to his word and only his word.
God Bless everyone.
Here is the thing…. Did Jesus hang out with the religious of the day or the tax collecters? Strip him from probably the reason he is lifted up for your church, NO. Take that from him and he will leave your church and never come back or attend another one. Love this person and SHOW him how to live.
marijuana is illegal.
The best thing about this wonderful question is not the weed being smoked, it is the fingers being pointed. The aroma of self-righteousness lingers in the air of some of the responses.I attended the Vineyard in Dunwoody a few years ago and a similar question was raised by some of the older members. There are kids hanging out in the parking lot smoking cigarettes in cars, what are you gona do? Johnny Crist replied quickly and stern, "We have been praying they would come, whatever you do don't scare them off". I would refer this to ' he who is without sin" When church leadership is over run with stone throwers you don't have to worry about the stoners they will leave on their own.Unconditional love is what he offers us, my guess is that person in question if judged only by the rest of his life and not just the weed would score much better than a few legal drinkers in the congregation, not to mention a few emotional or verbal abusers, they are easy to find they usually stand on soap boxes and make lots of noise and are always in some form of a crisis.His grace is enough for us all.I love the free breakfast idea and hope someone follows with lunch and dinner!
Big deal. If he's that fragile that he cannot take the Spiritual discipline, then he doesn't deserve to be in leadership.
We're not talking about expelling them from the church. We're talking about the influence they have over others. Ask them to step down from leadership until they get that area under control and then re-visit.
Absolutely, Andy… Well said!
So… as long as no one sees that you are using pot, you can continue to serve. But try to get them to stop.
Come on Christians, is that the best argument you have: that its not legal??? Its not illegal in Amsterdam so what happens to your argument now??? Come on people, how do you call yourselves Christians but not base your responses on the Word of God? The Word is your ONLY weapon to attack sin, not your opinions. If you cant give answers based on the Word, please keep your mouths closed (and I say that with love on behalf of the Lord because His word says those whom he loves he rebukes). Too many souls have been pushed away by the opinions of ignorant "Christians" who "mean well". Christians are always ready to pass judgment, but then want God to have mercy on them when the Word itself says that you will be judged accordingly to how you judge others. If you feel compelled to open your mouth to say something, say a prayer. Ask God to reveal to the truth to that person and to yourself. To Pastor Shaun, all I can say is to read Romans 14 and pray that God gives you instructions on what to do with the volunteer. I applaud that you are seeking answers, but I must honestly say that you are asking the wrong person/people. Christ is the only one you can rely on to give you the right answers all the time.
I want to leave you all with this thought: God is coming much sooner than we all think. Its time for us to unite as The Body of Christ, setting aside religious differences and beliefs and move throughout the Earth preaching the Good News of Christ. We were never told to just sit in a church warming a pew. We were called to be active. How can a body be alive if nothing moves? How can we say Christ lives if his body does not move? God's love is not for us only, it is for all the people of the world. When Christ was on Earth, he walked all over preaching God's love and plan for Salvation. We are now his servants, followers, and body. We have to follow his example. It is not a choice. If you are saved and have become one with Christ, then we are COMMANDED to preach his word. It is not a choice nor an option. Its is a requirement.
Peace be with you all and I love you all.
dog dont smoke no more
You people make me ashamed to identify myself as a Christian. “Christians” are always ready to point the finger at people and give their opinions. What happened to the Word of God?? Why is it that Christians are so content giving their opinions?? It just makes me so sick to hear all of you. “Its illegal, its wrong, just don’t do it, stop smoking, remove him from his role”. God says “My people perish for lack of knowledge”. “Christians” are the most ignorant people on the face of the earth. They have been responsible for holding on to false information and traditions. I’m waiting for the day when the true people of God will stand up and put an end to all this nonsense. Where is the Word? Give me scriptures. Those in defense of smoking gave some. If you stand against smoking, give your scriptures. And legality is not an issue. Its legal in some states and many other countries. So what happens to your argument. Give something more. If you can’t the please shut up! You have been pushing people away from God and creating stumbling blocks for new believers based on your own limits and beliefs. You selfish brood of vipers, you hypocrites. You don’t want someone to be a stumbling block for you but you don’t care if you are one to someone else. God gave us free will. It is up to us to seel wisdom from Him to know what is right for me according to His Will. Stop judging others and pointing fingers. You all point out the speck in your brothers eyes but you all miss the plank in your own eye! Wake up people, your time is almost up. By the same measure that you judge you will also be judged. God will do the work peoples lives and he deals which each one of us individually. That’s why salvation is individual. Read the Word and shut your ignorant mouths. You give true Christians a bad name when they try to go evangelize and I’m sick of it.
How about getting high on the Holy Spirit instead of the counterfeit ? I challenge those who say that this is ok to ask God for His Spirit and see how great that feels….way better then the pot!!! Just invite Him!
Jesus accepts us as we are, He never tells us to get holy before we turn to Him, He calls us to come to Him and join with Him and His yoke and LEARN from Him. Therefore when one is walking with Christ moment by moment I believe they would abstain from ANYTHING that is illegal including Pot.
However we are human and we still continue to sin even when we have turned our lives over to Him. He still continues to deal with us in Love that is so amazing, it is then that we have a choice to listen to God and refuse the idea the temptation (which if we don't, we give into our own lust which gives birth to sin).
Or deliberatly go against His word. So one must open their ears and listen to what God is telling them as an indivdual and TRUST and OBEY HIM or they will receive the judgement of God. Go back and read Isaiah and Jeremiah…God's Chosen people turned away from OBEYING Him and His wrath was poured out upon them.
Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
@Adam who used the phrase "anti-scripture"….REALLY?
Historical Note:
Both Yohanin and Yeshua (John the Immerser/Baptizer and Iesus) were inextricably linked to HEMP as part of their natural, cultural experiences.
From the Torah: Anointing Oil
22 Then the LORD said to Moses, 23 "Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels [a] of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin [b] of olive oil. 25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.
1. Exodus 30:23 That is, about 12 1/2 pounds (about 6 kilograms)
2. Exodus 30:24 That is, probably about 4 quarts (about 4 liters)
* 500 shekels (about 6 kg) of myrrh, according to the Ra'avad. Maimonides translates this substance as musk.[1]
* half as much (about 3 kg) of fragrant cinnamon,
* 250 shekels (about 3 kg) of fragrant cane, "kaneh bosm," translated as Calamus or Cannabis),[2]
* 500 shekels (about 6kg) of cassia, and
* a hin (about 4 L according to Shiurei Torah, 7 L according to the Chazon Ish) of olive oil.
The oil was used to anoint the vessels of the Tabernacle 30:26 and the High Priest, and is traditionally regarded as the oil used by prophets to anoint Saul, David, and other kings of ancient Israel. The title Christ / Messiah means literally covered in oil or "Anointed".
Recently GOD made this very issue to me so simple that i would need help to mis-understand it, my cigar habit (black&mild)is killing me and will hurt my loved ones,my casual pot smoking is killing others ie.drug wars to get it into my hands and just as Abels Blood told on Cain their Blood is speaking my name and others!!!the TRUTH has made me FREE !!! Praise GOD the lover of my soul who is not casual in HIS pursuit of me! side note:I was recently diagnosed as being spiritually retarded (lol)a curable condition,prescription:renewing of the mind.
Bless the LORD o my soul and all that is within me Bless HIS HOLY NAME!ps.103 KJV
I think that people have faults and it is not our duty to judge them. I am a very judgmental person and I find myself checking myself and realizing that differences in people is what makes us special and unique. Let them smoke their weed and call it a day, you may not realize how many people in the congregation have problems with smoking and drinking and whatever else. And who really says its bad, the government, what about the people smoking tobacco? If we stayed in Amsterdam, or even BC Canada, it is perfectly legal. I have never smoked marijuana, but I don't judge people that do.
Speeding is illegal. How many volunteers are doing it? Probably way more than are smoking weed.
During prohibition, alcohol was illegal, but then that changed and the church remains divided on the issue to this day. The bible clearly says we are not to get drunk, but does say that alcohol has medicinal purposes and is appropriate for celebratory use and makes the heart glad (see Paul, Proverbs).
Use these same tests on pot: Can you smoke pot without getting fall down stupid and does it have some medicinal purposes? Yes. Is it Legal? No. IMHO it is EXACTLY like alcohol except it is not legal (yet?). We must obey God by obeying our laws. If it ever becomes legal, it will face the ongoing debate that alcohol still is subject to in the church today despite the fact that it passes the exact same tests as alcohol does according to scripture. Churches will fight over it until Jesus comes back, except for all the pot smoking Christians enjoying their freedom in Christ.
I think it's ok. Smoking weed helps me worship an hear from god in the clearest form. He has spoke to me in some changing ways. When he speak things happen. It's like smoking help me get into the spirit realm, or let me say the inner courts to hear him clearly. My life has change dramatically since I started smoking. God is lord of my life and if they can hear from god as I do. Then they need a leadership part because god can use them better.
"Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things." (Genesis 9:3).
Cannabis is an herb that contains life not only in our spiritual body, But also in our natural body as well. Study to show proof of this miracle herb that will cause your spiritual life explode with fruit. Your will look at the Father is deeper ways that you never knew. Cannabis will bring sacred to the name of the Lord. Cannabis brings Gods closer. Cannabis opens our spiritual eyes to see spiritually.
You have it so right Lucy, some people just have no idea how amazing it rlly is. How close it brings you to the edge of the universe, the feeling of being one with everything. My consumption is for spiritual purposes ie. Meditation
I say this with all due respect, but this sounds like you are ignorant of the facts and history of the so-called marijuana plant. The correct (non-racial slur) name for it is cannabis. One of the main ingredients in the Holy Anointing oil, this plant has been revered for its superlative qualities since the dawn of human history. I am telling you (from a Christian minister's perspective) that your views about cannabis are totally incorrect and based on the lies you were told all your life. This is an issue of MAJOR IMPORTANCE to the believer, because the truth about cannabis changes everything, doesn't it? Search the term "the emperor wares no clothes".
This is one of four truths that I have discovered that no pastor will ever tell you. Pastor Shaun, I love what you are doing in Atlanta. But remember the seven churches of Revelation? Be careful and study this issue for yourself. Then and only then should you address your weed smoker.
Weed? .. you mean that herbal plant that GOD put here? The one that has proven medicinal benefits? What would "I" do? Not a thing. I would probly ask them not to smoke it around the place – only because of the smell. Other than that – I am NOT going to judge someone who is following God's law versus human control measures.
It's Just weed. I've been clean and sober for 17 years, done it all .. booze, pills, needles and even the evil weed. > Honestly? I think weed is a non-issue. I've been asked – if I had to choose the pilot who'd had a few beers Or the pilot who'd had a few puffs = which would I choose? I'd choose the weed puffer – No contest. Again I'm talking about weed, pot, marijuana .. Not any of those nasty things that are mostly human chemicals .. blahblah ..
it's just weed.
OK, I'm entering the fray, but only just barely. I have read every comment, so that I don't answer too hastily. I have no idea whether or not Jesus smoked pot and it's not my job to condemn anyone who does. (Whew! Sooo thankful God didn't give me that responsibility!) I have friends who I admire. I don't admire that they smoke pot on occasion (generally with friends on their vacations), but I admire their redeeming qualities, nevertheless. You could show me 20 people at church and I could tell you I admire them. You could then divulge that they are "casual" weed enthusiasts. I would likely be surprised, but still admire them despite the news.
There. I've said all that. I wouldn't burn at the stake anyone who smokes pot. (I would not hire them, either, but this is church we're talking about. Hmm… wait… you are the pastor, Shaun, and so you WOULD be hiring them, in a sense. Does that change things for you? It would for me.)
Would I hang out with them? Hmm. Tough call. Some pretty cool people smoke pot. I've seen some pretty cool people whose lives have been destroyed by it, too. They made crappy choices and their lives crashed and burned (no pun intended) and, yeah, I suspect the pot contributed to their feeling OK at the time about those choices. I also know some executives who are more successful than I will ever hope to be and they are renegade, behind-the-scenes "casual" tokers. Few that I know go to church, however. Most gamble and love games of chance.
I just don't see my Jesus that way. He lived Life on the edge but, above all, He loved the temple that God gave each of us. I'm guessing He protected it against all fuzziness and smoke.
So, I guess I wouldn't hang out with the pot smokers in my church. If I wouldn't want to hang out with them, do we belong in the same church? Well, I dunno. My church has 3,000 attendees each Sunday and I'm guessing many of them wouldn't want to hang out with ME. (Well, except the fifteen 10-year-old girls I mentor – they adore me.) I'm a bit of an oddball, socially. I'm a loner who doesn't like to be alone.
So here's the bottom line for me: What's this volunteer doing? I would not want my children to be supervised by someone who smoked pot before they headed to church.
Period.
Exhale.
(And, now that you mention it, if I wouldn't trust this volunteer with my child, where WOULD I trust him/her?)
asServingSeeKINGfollower reading myourINstructionMANUAL .i. see 1 Peter 4+7 the time to be called isANYtime….keepSOBER clearMINDclearSPIRIT noRecretionalDrugs noDrunkenness BeInPrayerBeREADY…selAhMEN
i was just thinking about this myself as a christian who recently took up smoking ganja again. i qut for two years but now ive been smoking after work and it takes my stress away. plus i smoke with friends who are responsible and dont oversmoke and we do things like go watch movies, not just sit on the couch. I dont care if i sound self serving as my knowledge of scriptures s not the keenest, but Paul did reveal that everything is permissible but not beneficial. E.G. I relieve my stress and i wake up happy when i smoke weed after work at night. thats cool it has some physical benefitss. but it also makes it harder for me to focus on just one thing the next day, not that my mind wonders but it minimizes my problems to where im not stressing on them specifically,therefore im not thinking about them , all i think about is how relaxing the natural high i get from cannabis felt last night(but it also helps me forget about plans which im anxious make instead of letting God give direction,(and after all if it is ereally meant to happen then God will make sure it will, so why worry?)), …so if cant focus on that then i bet it would be just as hard to focus on things above. so if I were to smoke everyday, then it would definitely damage me, but if i were to smoke casually then my mind would return to my normal state of mind quicker, allowing for spiritual growth. I dont know i guess on not quite on par with scriptures cause the heart is deceitful above all things” and ” Lean not on your own understanding”. but what ive put forth sounds sound, so i hope my point of view and belief on this issue helps.. MY Main Point is that We have to render our actions to God when we die, and i dont think hell paricularly hate me for it. I dont believe ill go to hell either because He designed weed, and He knew beforehand that we had the capability to cultivate different strains and to use it for certain uses. now if you overdose wouldnt that be harder to speak of before God then “God i smoked Hindu Kush, as you know it sent me straight to sleep when i had insomnia, those days i couldnt sleep. sorry for not trusting you with my problems that night but thank you for the ganja and for trusting us with the ability to cultivate it for right reasons.
Sincerely- Serge
Bah! This man is merely enjoying one of the many pleasures your so called "God" has given this earth. With everything one must be aware of there surroudings/environment and with that comes intake. This man is enjoying a wonderful plant that's been given to us. Who's to say what he is doing is wrong or illegal. He is happy and clearly if he is in this group then a good person the same. One should not judge, we all have our own paths that we follow in life, let us embrace each other instead :)
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