Is marijuana use OK? Ruslan, hip hop artist and cultural commentator, weighs in on things he sees in the bible and in his relationships with friends. He cites three main areas to consider:
- Are you being “sober minded” as stated in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls, around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He notes that people he’s talked to about their marijuana use may have deeper issues with depression or anxiety, or that they are just simply spending a disproportionate amount of their income on the drug. Neither of these things are healthy from the spiritual perspective.
- He also makes the point that many people who want to call out other’s people’s sin, but are sinning in other area through obesity, or pornography use, which are clearly stated in the Bible as sin. So are we disproportionately considering one thing a sin while ignoring other things that are more widespread and apparent? We should be ok with neither. This comes from what Jesus said in Matthew 7:3, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your borther’s eye and pay no attention to the plan in your own eye?”
- The scripture 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know is that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Ruslan, himself, is trying to eat better, avoid sugar, not consume alcohol, exercise, and just be healthy overall. There is debate as to whether marijuana is “healthy,” but there is mounting evidence that there’s a strong link between Schizophrenia and marijuana use. But if you consider yourself as the temple of the Holy Spirit, then it’s clear that being free from any substance use, along with a healthy lifestyle including avoiding fast food, and sugar, and exercising, are all wise choices.
