The bible tells us to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13) and God has placed government for our best interest. Granted, we may not agree with many things about our government but it is there for our safety. Others may harshly disagree with this statement, but I speak generally. These men are not perfect and certainly neither are their laws. As Christians it is our role to pray for them and influence our nation toward biblical principles.
Today many states have decriminalized Cannabis and if you are a resident of one of those states legality is not an issue for you. You are subjected to your state laws. Granted Cannabis is still not okay on a Federal level, you are protected by your state (abiding to their laws). Eventually when the majority of States are on board and the mass vote is in favor of legalizing Cannabis, the Federal Government will have to break.
For those that live in states where it is still completely illegal this section may help you better understand this particular issue. We are not covering the reason why it is illegal. But answering the famous objection that is it illegal in general thus making it not okay for a Believer to partake.
– Let me say this so that I am perfectly clear. We as Christians must live in full accordance to the laws set by our government. Obeying the law is a good thing and in doing so our Christ like character shines forth. We are to live peaceably amongst all men and in such a way where no one can find anything bad to say about us as even the Scriptures commend us.
With that being said…
If for whatever reason we break a law of the land we must be prepared to bear the consequences the land requires. You speed, you get a ticket. Stuff happens. We make mistakes. In this sense we may break the law every now and again, knowing it or not, still doesn’t justify breaking any law. No excuse. I’m with you there.
The issue with Cannabis I will consider it a moral one. Laws shoudl be in alignment with our morals which should be in alignment with God’s Commandments. When government clashes with biblical truth I as a child of God will always stand on the Rock. My side is chosen. No questions about it.
Shadrach, Mishach, and Abendigo knew the law of the land and were willing to take on judgement from the king for not bowing down to his image. They broke the law of the land. Of course this went completely against what they knew to be true as righteous men. This is just one biblical example next to many more. Israel had traditions of men that were up held as law of the land and many times were broken by Jesus and the Apostles, but obviously not out of spite, rather walking in what they believed to be true. And guess what many of these men subjected themselves even to persecution without putting up a fight. And changed the world.
Now of course, let us not be confused, the only thing worth living for and worthy of the world changing is for God’s glory. I only make this point in regards to standing up for what we believe to be true. Certainly not some pity, elementary issue like Cannabis, this is completely secondary. In fact it is a shame that I have to spend time and energy into this. I wish brothers and sisters wouldn’t even be questioning the validity of Cannabis and it’s blessing. But someone has to shine light on the matter.
A sin is breaking one of God’s commandments. When you break the law of the land it is not necessarily a sin toward God, but you must be prepared to receive judgement if so.
Was it a sin for a black person to drink from a white person’s water fountain? Or swim at a “white’s only” beach? That was the law back then. Was it a sin that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat? What about Jews doing anything in places that completely outlawed their existence? These are only a couple of examples, but forerunners stood up for what they knew was right. Sometimes we must go against the grain even if its means persecution. Rosa Parks was arrested that day. Sinner? No. Activist.
If the land outlaws meeting together and having church in homes and such, where would you stand? Certainly that would not stop me from fellowshipping with the saints and worshipping God.
Please note even in activism there is no blessing on violence.
There are many laws that the land has passed that is completely contrary to the Word of God.
Fact: Our Declaration of Independence was written on Hemp.
Many of our early Presidents, like George Washington, that were men of Faith are known to have smoked and grow their own Hemp.
It was not until the 1930’s that hemp was outlawed in our Country. Before then, hemp was grown by farmers and common amongst the people. It was a major harvested crop.
Today most of our country is considering legalizing it again, seeing the many benefits for the economy. More than 15 states have made it legal while others are slowly making their way as well. Doctors, judges, congressmen, states men, and many more are speaking out against the false information and negative hysteria that surrounds the plant.
President Jimmy Carter:
“Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself; and where they are, they should be changed. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against possession of marihuana in private for personal use… Therefore, I support legislation amending Federal law to eliminate all Federal criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marihuana.”
President Thomas Jefferson:
“Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country.”
President John Adams:
“We shall, by and by, want a world of hemp more for our own consumption.”
President George Washington:
“Make the most you can of the Indian Hemp seed and sow it everywhere.”
Henry Ford:
“Why use up the forests which were centuries in the making and the mines which required ages to lay down, if we can get the equivalent of forest and mineral products in the annual growth of the hemp fields?”
CANNABLESS 