What does the Bible say or infer about a person smoking marijuana?
I feel I have a great relationship with the Lord, however I also love to smoke marijuana, which by no means hinders my relationship with God as far as I know. I don't let it get in the way of the will God has for me, but still get judged by other Christians for smoking marijuana. I even feel I have a better relationship than most Christians that don't smoke at all. Having the relationship with God that I do, I feel that if he wanted me to stop then God would put it on my heart to stop. But honestly I don't feel led even a little bit to quit. I would like to hear what other people have to say about this. Thank you!
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Asked November 26 2014
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David Garcia
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Brian Nelson
The Bible is clear we should follow the law of the land if it does not conflict with God's word. Romans 13:1-2 tell us to be in subjection to the superior authorities even as we are to God. Further, we are to be in relative subjection to kings and governors as they have their positions due to God's allowance. (1Peter 2:13-17). We should honor God in all we do or at least not dishonor him so that makes getting high or drunk very suspect behavior.
Lynn Willis
Dear David, Firstly, I admire your desire to know the will of God in this issue, and to grow in your relationship with your Father. The truth will set you free! Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, 3 but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. I don't know how old you are, but I'm older than I even know, and smoked both cigarettes and weed for 40 years, chronically. I tried to quit both several times, and was successful for a short time, but the addiction and lies associated with these actions as being harmless crept back into my life again and again. With weed, I was a diehard advocate for legalization most of my life, and believed as you do - that doing so wasn't a bad thing because I was a good person, and it was harmless to enjoy relaxing with a joint. But it became more than that in my life. Bit by bit by bit it became a daily thing, and then several times a day, and it affected my world by damaging my relationships with people, and then affecting jobs, and then homes. It was all consuming. Then, depression set in (another entrance of the evil one into my life), and I depended on weed to cope, and adversity began to build in all aspects of my life, all because of my weed smoking. It even incited a break in to my home by my next door neighbours smelling it and yes they stole my 'stash' too. Once naturally confident, over time I became dependent on weed simply to socialize, to feel emotionally OK, to function creatively (as a writer) and professionally, to be confident, to just BE in the world. It became something I sought out first and foremost each day more than anything else, and I became like the true addict I was. Weed was my idol. When I met Jesus, I was still smoking weed. Bit by bit the Lord showed me that it was not what He wanted for me, and I asked my God to deliver me from this need for weed and He immediately replaced it with His love and joy and freedom and courage and strength and I easily quit as soon as I asked for His deliverance. Amen! Sure I am still tempted as satan will use anything and everything to separate us from Christ. But the truth of what this drug is lives in me with the truth of Christ's love, and it is a lie that smoking weed is harmless and doesn't hurt anyone that I know as truth now. What it does is keep us away from God in sin and makes us vulnerable to the evil one for we are not sober and he prowls around using our weaknesses to his advantage. I hadn't given cigarette smoking to Jesus... until recently. You see I always believed I could change me, but only Jesus could save me! Recently God used a severe lung infection to hospitalize me and free me from ALL smoking by showing me ONE CLEAR TRUTH: If you feed your addiction, your addiction WILL feed on you. Smoking is harmful to one's body and doing so, whether it be weed or cigarette smoking or crack or whatever, is willful sinning. All sin is a rebellious act against God, but willful sinning is worse for you are actively choosing it each time. Every time you light up a joint (or cigarette etc.) you are basically saying "I LOVE WEED MORE THAN I LOVE MY GOD." It's a choice and a big part of free will. God wants you to have the strength and courage to choose differently, to transform IN Him, and you can do it with His help if you ask Him to help you. I hope you will turn to the Lord in this brother, for He wants only the best for you whereas the evil one wants only your destruction, and ultimately, over time, weed is terribly destructive to your health, pocketbook, relationships, career, and lifestyle, goals AND spirit. Remember, with God you can do ALL things, not just some things! Blessings in HIM, Lynn
vanessa pannuti
The Bible does not address the smoking issue, like many others, because during those days it was not a common practice as still unknown. It does however states clearly that Israel wandered 40 years in the wilderness in total SOBRIETY of mind so as to acknowledge the Lord. Drunkeness is condemned as it affects a person perception and distorts reality. I personally stay away from everything that has an impact on my mental ability, that includes painkillers such as NSAID e.g. Brufen as it changes the response of the brain to what is happening in your body and other medications altering the brain chemistry. Cigarettes and drink as well have a negative effect on my mind even in small doses. The use of pipe tobacco and coffee in moderation are the least offensive. I could not read a single verse if I were under the influence I consider it a sin. I like to read the Bible everyday so I stay away from it all, if I have even one beer I wait 24 hours. I personally disagree with the use and misuse of these substances, this is my opinion.
Nicolas Rey
What does a person love more, smoking or God? My advice is for a Christian who smokes to pray and ask God for a clear sign to answer this question. I would suggest that you quit smoking at least for a week. Each time you 'feel like a smoke', pray and offer that effort (or pain) to God. Ask God to give you guidance in your life. Also, you can use the energy and time you would spend on smoking and being high and instead use it for God's purpose. Prayer is not fulfilled until it transforms into actions (brother Roger from Taizé in France). PS: I was there. I think smoking lowers spiritual strength. It is obviously a subjective point of view. God be with you all. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Colleen King
Seek Jesus's answer to your question. Pray about it and seek the Holy Spirit so that when you make a choice you will be convicted to follow that choice not because man has told you it is incorrect.
al reynosa
There is no clear mandate prohibiting you from smoking "weed". There are clinical reasons, however, why it should be avoided. It may cause impaired short-term memory, a shortened attention span, and delayed reflexes. It's also been linked to damage of brain cells. Personally, I've seen friends who have used it for years not acting as they once did. They seem less than sharp and aloof. I would consider 1 Corinthians 10:23 "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." Blessing on your journey in seeking the heart of God.
JD Abshire
In addition to what has already been stated, Galatians chapter 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh. In verse 20 we read: "Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies," The Greek word translated into the English "witchcraft" is "pharmakeia" which has the following biblical usages below. Vine's expository dictionary states that def. 1 & 2 represent the primary usages of the word. 1.the use or the administering of drugs. 2. Poisoning 3. sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by isorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it. 4. metaph. The deceptions and seductions of idolatry. http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5331&t=KJV
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