Can a Christian Smoke Pot in Colorado…and Other Moral Dilemmas

You might be shocked to discover this, but High School students often ask me what the Bible says about smoking pot. In fact, many students seem to have a knack for memorizing at least one Bible verse, Genesis 1:29, but I digress. Even if you’re not considering a vacation to the Centennial State and a newfound recreational hobby, you might have wondered how to make a wise, Christian decision when confronted with a situation the Bible never directly addresses.

I’ll tell you what I tell my students. The Bible, and Christian Wisdom, extend to all aspects of life. No decision is morally neutral. Two verses to consider are similar verses found in 1 Corinthians, verses 6:12, and 10:23. Read these passages when thinking about a tough decision, then consider four questions drawn from them:

– Is it legal? In many cases, this solves it. It is a sin to break the law, therefore things like underage drinking and smoking marijuana are sinful.

– Is it helpful? One must also consider if an action is advantageous even if it is legal, specifically in this context for becoming more like Christ, growing in righteousness and holiness.

– Is it enslaving? Sex, food, computers, possessions, etc. are all lawful, and can all be helpful, but they can also be enslaving. A Christian is never to be mastered by anything, Christ alone is his master. When anything good becomes an idol it becomes sinful.

– Is it helpful in building others up? The Christian exists not only for himself, but for the good of others. Can a particular action or behavior hurt others or damage their faith? Every Christian should be concerned with helping build others up more than exercising personal freedom.

Two final principles should be considered. Matthew 22:37-40 teaches us that we should be motivated in all our actions by our love for God and love for other people. Finally, Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians (10:31), “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We should only participate in actions that are legal, helpful, loving, build others up, and can be done to the glory of God.

There is great freedom for us in Christ, but for our own good and the good of others, our freedom is limited in some areas. While the Bible doesn’t address every situation you will face in life, if you apply it’s truth, you can demonstrate wisdom and glorify God in the doing. So, if you’re a Christian, and you find yourself on vacation in Colorado, perhaps you can enjoy the height of the Rockies rather than any other type of high.

Caleb Land is the director of the Gilmer Christian Learning Center in Ellijay, GA, though the views expressed here are his own. You can find out more about the CLC, or sign up for the “Run for the Son” 5K Road Race to support the CLC, by visiting www.gilmerclc.org.