AT ISSUE

I have a dear friend that is a Christian yet still continues to use marijuana recreationally. He claims it's not really a drug, but an herb and does not see why it is wrong. What can I say to help? All I know is that our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and we are to walk in the Spirit. While I see this person's point, I am still not comfortable with it.

OUR INSIGHT

In my experience, people with a marijuana problem will say almost anything to justify their use of it. But this is the nature of addiction, isn't it? People will say anything to remain in denial and in an altered state of reality.

You are correct in pointing out that our bodies are the Temple of God's Spirit, and that's an important thing to remember. However, it's not very convincing to addicted people. They just point to the nearest fat person and say that they too have profaned the Temple. Of course this is an attempt to rationalize, and the truth is that we all must honor the Temple with good health practices.

If we take seriously the idea that our bodies are Temple of God, then overweight persons must lay down their Big Macs, and the addicted people their tokes.

The question for Christians is not whether marijuana is legal or not, nor whether it is a just a herb. The question is, what does the Bible say about the behavior it induces? Ephesians 5:18 says, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." The Greek word "drunk"is methusko or "intoxicated," so people can't claim that drunkenness is somehow different than the effects of marijuana. And grapes are "natural" too, aren't they? Nevertheless, nothing should come before the filling of the Holy Spirit, as indicated in this verse

And that's the heart of the matter. Marijuana use is dissipation (Greek,"asotia," which is profligacy and can be translated "unsavedness"), and it is bad for the spiritual health of Christians. The choice is clear, people can elect to be intoxicated or they can choose to be filled with God's Spirit. One never leads to the other as they are very separate experiences

What can we do for such people? Not too much if they don't understand they have a problem. When they don't see the problem, they don't think they need any kind of solution. They would rather smoke dope than help someone in need or take the time to introduce someone to Jesus. They are trapped in a downward spiral, and unfortunately need to "bottom out" before they seek help. If your friend will discuss the topic, you may want to try to challenge him to see he does have a problem. If he answers yes to any of these questions, he is probably hooked.

1. Do you find yourself preoccupied with the thoughts of getting high?

2. Has anyone suggested to you that you might have a problem? Note: If he says no, remind them that you have made such a suggestion!

3. Has your school work, job or relationships been negatively affected?

4. Do you ever spend money that should be spent on bills or to help Christian ministries?

5. Do you use dope to cope with feelings of pain, anger, or depression?

Beyond presenting these issues, there is little more that you can do for your friend other than to pray for him. But prayer works, so this is an important course of action. You may want to ask other Christians to pray with you about this matter. Your friend can be released from the bondage of marijuana.

-DLH