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Friday, February 20, 2009 Being a Christian doesn't = Legalism.

Recently, one of my favourite Reformed Christian bloggers, Tim Challies, brought up the question: Is smoking sinful? While he didn't explicitly state his opinion, he did quote from John Piper that smoking is inherently a sin. Still what really caught my attention were the many intelligent and theologically sound comments made by readers. I have chosen two which I thought were potentially alternative views (especially in the local context). But let's not open another can of worms and have a debate over East-West demarcation... the thing is when it comes to legalism and the reading of 1Corinthians 6:12, Romans 14:13-18, there are no cultural boundaries and restrictions, but what truly glorifies God in the interpretation.

Can one smoke for the glory of God? (My comments in italics)

From Padron, February 19, 2009 10:29 AM

Ok, I may be going out on a limb here…but, I am a pastor of a conservative church - and I enjoy a fine cigar every now and then. Typically around the new year, and in celebration of a major life event (like the birth of a child, successful adventure, etc.). What I do is simply buy a cigar, retreat to a secluded place, and smoke it while I pray. Probably sounds crazy to you, right? I have struggled with many of the same questions you bring up like: can I do this to the glory of God? For me, I can honestly answer yes. It usually takes me anywhere from 30-45 minutes to enjoy a good cigar, and I have had some of the sweetest times of prayer during those moments of praising and celebrating God’s faithfulness in my life.
Now, all that being said, I am acutely aware that other people may be completely against my practice of enjoying cigars. So, I never make it known to them. I keep my preferences to myself, not because I think that it is wrong, but because it might violate another person’s conscience.
So, I avoid becoming a stumbling block, avoid the addiction, avoid the excessive waste of money, avoid it becoming an idol of my heart, and at the same time do it to the glory of God. I suppose if at any time it became a violation of my conscience, I should follow the attitude that Spurgeon did when seeing a billboard reading “Smoke the cigar that Spurgeon smokes.” He immediately gave it up after that.

(Charles Spurgeon was a Baptist preacher in the 1850s who preached the gospel to 10 million people in his lifetime, and his sermons are still widely read. I personally enjoy reading them.)

How about marijuana? Read this for debunking about the Weed Myth.

From J.P.H. February 19, 2009 12:09 PM

I don’t know about that, Ray. I’m speaking from a place of ignorance here, not having smoked pot, but I’ve been around people who were high (not ridiculously so) and it was no different from being around someone who’d had two or three glasses of wine.

I’d agree with you that it’s sinful from the perspective of obeying the laws of the land. That said, it’s not illegal everywhere.

Back to the drunkenness thing…how much wine do we suppose Jesus drank at the wedding at Cana? I mean, I can’t by any stretch of the imagination imagine Jesus drinking enough to become ill or be unable to walk. At the same time, I could very easily see him drinking enough to “feel it”.Some people have a glass of wine at night because it helps them get to sleep. So the alcohol is having a significant physical effect, i.e. making the person sleepy. Suppose pot were legal, and we substituted “eat a pot brownie” for “drink a glass of wine”. Doesn’t seem that different to me.

On a personal note, I have been guilty of judging others for certain sins and neglecting others (including mine), which are equally grievous in the eyes of God. I have struggled with reconciling so-called "worldly" appreciation with being a new creation through Christ. But truly, there is therefore NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). By the way, Romans has been extremely enlightening for me in the past two weeks. Can understand why Martin Luther, John Wesley, et al were fired up by Romans to live their lives totally differently. Romans 14 isn't so much a free pass for Christians as it is a reassurance of the practical application of Romans 8:1. Of course, I understand and abide by the cardinal condition that in enjoying the creations of God (whether it be good food, invigorating conversations, a mug of excellent brew...), one should not stumble a brother or sister but always act in love!